Who let the dogs out?
That’s the question someone might be asking themselves if they were at Pither’s Point on Sept. 7 and hadn’t heard it was the Fort Frances Friends of Animals’ second-annual “Paws Around the Park” fundraiser.
While it’s difficult to say just how many participants to expect, due to the fact registration isn’t held until 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the day of the event, there’s already a buzz in the air, co-organizer Susan Cousineau said.
“Last year, we raised approximately $7,000 and we were thrilled with the amount,” Cousineau enthused. “Hopefully, we can match that again this year.
“But regardless of the amount raised, we’re also there just to have a few hours of fun with our canine friends and to see all the wonderful breeds of dog that live in this area,” she added.
Once again, there are prize packages not only for the top three adult pledge-getters, but also for the top teen (age 13-17) and kids (12 and under).
The grand prize this year is $500 in travel dollars, a $100 gift certificate for designer sunglasses, and a $50 gift certificate for a custom pet portrait.
As well, every participant raising a minimum of $50 will be eligible for prizes. For every additional $50 raised, the person has an extra chance to win.
It’s important that people understand Friends of Animals is not
funded by the Town of Fort Frances, Cousineau noted.
“We are a private non-profit organization and the care we provide for the less fortunate animals in this community depends on fundraising events such as this,” she stressed.
Cousineau also said she’s hoping to receive the support of Friends of Animals “alumni”—those who adopted their dog from the Adopt-A-Pet program at the walk.
“It would be great for the community to see how these once homeless animals are now happy, healthy and with loving homes,” she remarked.
Not only will a special alumni group photo be taken that day, all alumni dogs will have the honour of leading the walk behind “Friends” mascot,
“Willow.”
And “Friends” supporters that may be without a pet are welcome to participate in the walk since the group has several dogs in foster care.
Anyone unable to participate in the walk can lend their support by sponsoring another walker, or by co-sponsoring “Willow” by completing a mail-in pledge form featured in ads in the Times.
And who says fundraising can’t be fun at the same time? This year’s event once again will include contests like pet/owner look-a-like, cutest canine costume, waggiest tail, longest ears, best trick, largest/smallest dog, fluffiest dog, most mysterious heritage, longest tongue, best bark, and most obedient.
There also will be “critter” face-painting for the kids, free morning refreshments for all participants, a charity barbecue, and a visit from “Friends” mascot, “Freckles.”
New this year is a “Marvelous Mutt” Happy Hour, where you can pamper your pet with delicious gourmet dog treats.
Event information and pledge forms can be picked up at the Nor-West Animal Clinic, Dr. Tom Cousineau’s office, Pizza Hut, In Focus Photography, Four Paws Pet Supply, and the Friends of Animals office (274-2144).
Anyone interested in donating a prize or volunteering for the event can call Cousineau at 274-1831 or the Friends of Animals office.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
