This is a good weekend to celebrate the dog days of summer in some of the most appropriate ways possible. In doing so, anyone can also help out a regional animal rescue organization.
The Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, or SCARS as it's known, is hosting an adoption event today only at Paradise Pet Centre. Tomorrow, people can participate in its first-ever Dog Jog charity fundraiser.
Representative Lori Trudgeon said that with all of these things going on, there is indeed a lot of hope for the future of rescue animals.
"We usually get about one or two adoptions out of every event," she began. "We always get a lot of interest and it's a great chance for the dogs to get out and socialize a bit, for people to meet them and give us a chance to tell people about SCARS."
The non-profit organization (based out of Edmonton and Athabasca) is a volunteer-run registered charity that is dedicated to reducing the number of homeless and abandoned animals in Northern Alberta. It operates a no-kill animal rescue operation and takes in animals slated for euthanasia at municipal pounds. It then works to adopt them back out to loving homes.
In addition, it also actively promotes responsible companion animal guardianship, care and training. The cost of the adoption includes spaying or neutering, micro-chipping and the animal's first vaccinations. "It's a very, very good deal," she stated.
Today's adoption event won't be its first here in St. Albert and it won't be the last. The organization runs one of these events every weekend at different locations, and once a month at Paradise. Trudgeon said that there would likely be several dogs available and they have all already had a head start for behaviour training.
"The animals that we bring into care all live in private homes. They have the benefit of living with a person who takes care of that animal, starts the basic training if it's a puppy. If it's an adult dog, they just do the things that help the animal adjust to living in a home."
If you're interested in adopting a dog, please stop in at Paradise Pets from noon to 3 p.m. The store is located at #50, 580 St. Albert Trail. Call 780-459-6896 for more information. As an added promotion, the store has a coupon for 20 per cent off store purchases for that rescue animal for up to one week after the adoption. The coupon is available on SCARS' website.
Tomorrow, the organization is putting on its Dog Jog 5-km fun run or walk starting at 10 a.m. Trudgeon said that 50 people have already signed up and they hope to double that number of registrants.
"If we had 100 people out, we'd be happy."
The event takes place at the Buena Vista off-leash area at Sir Wilfred Laurier Park, 13221 Buena Vista Road in Edmonton. Registration is $45.
Tail-wagging fun
If you'd rather not go for a walk in the park then you can help SCARS and celebrate the end of summer at the same time. The organization is once again hosting its Dog Swim fundraiser at the Grosvenor Outdoor Pool. This is the last time that the pool will be in use for the year but it's the four-legged friends who get the last splash.
Human patrons get the pool until 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. That's when they step out and the dogs jump in and get to play till 9.
"It's a fantastic event! We're really thrilled that they're hosting it again for us," Trudgeon said. "It's wonderful."
Last year's inaugural edition saw 1,000 paws hit the waves. Together with their owners, they raised $1,900 and "filled the trunks of a couple of cars" with donated items for the organization.
A life preserver will be set up for dog safety but owners are responsible for the safety of their pets while in the main pool. The dive pool will be fenced off. Dogs must be supervised while in the pool and be on leash out of the pool at all times. They must also have up to date vaccinations.
Attendees and pets can access the pool via the back gate. That will remain open to accommodate bathroom breaks for the animals. Each owner is responsible for their pet's waste. Water bowls will be filled on deck and hoses will be available for pre- and post-swim washings. Fetch toys are allowed in the pool.
Attendees are asked to bring cash donations to SCARS for admission. New or gently used pet toys, blankets and towels will also be accepted. SCARS' website also has a wish list of items.
The pool is located at 1 Grenfell Ave. For more information, call the pool at 780-458-2002.
For more information, please contact Derek Corse with the City of St. Albert at 780-458-2002.
For more information on the organization and its events, please visit www.scarscare.org or call 780-466-SCAR (7227).
