Charity car washes are a pretty common way of raising money for a cause.
But if you operate a doggie day care centre, it makes more sense to hold a Charity Dog Wash.
Thee Place for Paws doggie daycare, pet-sitting and grooming service, located at 2849 Innisfil Beach Road in Innisfil, held its annual Charity Dog Wash on Saturday, raising money for Finding them Homes, an adoption service for animals picked up by James Bay Pawsitive Rescue.
The not-for-profit group rescues puppies and stray adult dogs from the James Bay area, where they could become nuisance animals. A network of volunteers transports the animals south, fosters the rescues and then adopts them out. Since 2012, the group has rescued approximately 2100 dogs.
At any one time, there are 40 volunteers who provide fostering, handle public meet and greets with the dogs up for adoption, serve as drivers, clean crates, and raise funds. “There’s a lot of different things,” said Valerie Jackson, volunteer co-ordinator for Finding Them Homes.
“Right now it’s puppy season – a lot of pregnant moms. We have a lot of male dogs as well,” said Sarah Corona, Foster Co-ordinator. Both Corona and Jackson were among the volunteers who brought several of the dogs currently up for adoption to the Charity Dog Wash, to meet the public.
Friendly, affectionate – the dogs, sporting green bandanas, were happy to accept pats and belly rubs from visitors, who brought their own dogs to the Dog Wash for a shampoo and nail clipping, for a minimum donation of $30 to the cause.
The local Global Pet Foods store also set up a booth, offering loot bags, raffles and special purchases, to raise money for Finding Them Homes.
Sandy Berube, who operates Thee Place For Paws with husband Shawn Taulien, said there was a “good turnout” for the fundraiser, and a steady stream of dogs for washing and clipping. “We have a good time. It’s tough work, but it’s a good time!”
The event raised $1026 for Finding Them Homes, a sum made possible only by the volunteers and supporters who came out, Berube said.
For more information on Finding Them Homes, see www.findingthemhomes.com or findingthemhomes at facebook.com/groups. “All the dogs that are available are there – or if you want to volunteer,” said Corona. “And donations are always welcomed!”
