Century-old Berkeley plumbing firm helps discover pets a eternally residence
BERKELEY — Blame it on the pandemic or rising inflation costs, but whatever the cause, Bay Area animal shelters are in crisis.
And all across the region, people like the workers at LJ Kruse Plumbing in Berkeley are helping.
Every Thursday morning, Marie McLean, who works at the century-old plumbing company, walks a few blocks to the Berkeley Humane Society animal shelter.
“It’s a joy for everyone in the office,” said McLean, who has worked at the plumbing company for 15 years. “We love the dogs. You feed a dog, you take him for a walk, you play with him for a bit and then you take a break and he is standing at the gate crying for you. That is amazing.”
Berkeley Humane has been working with Kruse for some time. That day, McLean picked up a year-old terroir mix named Hugo who was found abandoned in Oakland.
The good-natured puppy spends a few hours in the plumbing company's offices and wins the hearts of everyone who works there.
“The hope is that this dog finds a loving home,” McLean told KPIX.
Will Kruse is vice president and service manager. He loves having dogs like Hugo in the office.
“We care about animals and animal reuse here,” Kruse said. “Berkeley Humane is just a few blocks away, so it’s a natural partnership.”
In the last decade. Kruse says some of his employees and even customers have adopted dogs that they brought into the office.
This is special because Will grew up on the streets and actually volunteered at Berkeley Humane as a child.
“It means a lot to me as an adult and business owner to give back to the community I grew up in,” Kruse said.
Kruse Plumbing is currently running a donation program. Every $3 of every service call is donated to Berkeley Humane.
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