APSU’s Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSLCE), which houses the S.O.S. Food Pantry, has lost two chickens to a suspected dog attack.

The chickens, named Mini and Mae, did not survive the attack. A third chicken, Nancy, did survive and was taken to a veterinarian’s office in Joelton for medical attention, as most veterinary offices in Clarksville do not treat chickens.

Nancy received stitches and a sling but is expected to make a full recovery. She is resting in a separate location from the other chickens until she heals sufficiently.

“A cloud of sadness descended on the CSLCE yesterday morning as we lost two of our beloved chickens in an alleged dog attack. A third was heroically discovered by a student worker,” the center posted on its Facebook page.

Students and faculty sponsor the chickens, and they contribute eggs to the S.O.S. Food Pantry program. The center notified Mini and Mae’s sponsors of their passing and student workers buried the chickens at the York Street gardens.

A student worker found the dead chickens after seeing the chicken wire connected to the coop torn open.

The CSLCE created the S.O.S. Food Pantry in order to provide food to students unable to afford a meal plan or regular groceries. The university does not fund the program and relies completely on donations to provide food and other essentials to students in need.

Sponsoring a chicken involves a yearlong screening process which starts in the spring. The $50 sponsorship fee covers the cost of the chickens’ living quarters, food, naming rights, visitation and information packets about the sponsored chicken.

The CSLCE is currently holding a memorial food drive to honor Mini and Mae and bring in supplies. The chickens provide six to 10 eggs daily to the food pantry. Eggs are a complete protein and currently are in high demand as the center is running low on proteins.

In Fall 2015, 11 chickens provided the S.O.S. Food Pantry with nearly 900 eggs which went to 147 pantry users. Student workers care for the chickens.

The chickens recently moved to a larger chicken coop located in the back of the CSLCE.

With the record number of new students to APSU, as well as the slow donation season of summer, the S.O.S. Food Pantry is attempting to restock its shelves. The pantry currently has low stocks of canned meats, beans and peanut butter.

In addition to the S.O.S. Food Pantry, CSLCE runs the Alternative Break Trip program to promote volunteer service from students. Students plan and lead the trips to various locations in the country in order to volunteer.

More information about the center can be found at apsu.edu/volunteer. Donations can be made at the food pantry’s location at 322 Home Ave., across the street from Hand Village