close

Fund raiser to promote pet adoption, fight hunger

4 min read

An event to help raise funds for the Animal Refuge Center, along with pet food donations for the Harry Chapin Food Bank, will be held at the East West Veterinary Care Center by Dr. Dixie Brown on April 17.
Chrystal Green, an East West Veterinary Care Center technician, said since April is animal cruelty month they wanted to bring awareness especially to animal hunger, a form of animal cruelty. She said all of the shelters are currently overloaded with animals and some people are giving up their pets because they cannot afford to feed them.
Turning an animal loose is not the answer to the problem of not being able to feed your pet, especially if they have been cared for for so many years, she added.
Green said they are asking all of their vendors to donate items to be raffled off during the event. All proceeds from the raffle will be given to the Animal Refuge Center.
“We are hoping to raise money for the Animal Refuge Center; they are so overloaded,” she said.
Animal Refuge Center Shelter Director Lisa Morris said the fund raiser will help them promote the center and what they do for the community.
“We shelter, adopt and educate,” she said. “The more of the community that is aware of us, the more homes we can find for our animals and the more volunteers, donations and events we can benefit from.”
The shelter typically has between 40-45 dogs and 400 cats at a time. The adoption fee for dogs is $75 and $65 for cats.
Morris said all of the animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on all medical testing and vaccinations.
“Adopting a pet saves a life,” she said.
Wonder, the Animal Refuge Center’s blind and deaf dog, will be at the event on Saturday.
Many speakers will be at the event to address topics of why animals are being given away, heart worm and flea prevention, animal diet, shampoo for animals, along with a chiropractor care speech.
Green said sometimes they can look at old treatments, such as chiropractor care, because they work just as well. She said many individuals are using acupuncture for their animals as well because can eliminate the medications their animal has to take.
The event also will provide a bounce house for the children, along with food and music for everyone to enjoy.
Green encourages those who attend the event to bring dog or cat food so they can stock up the Harry Chapin Food Bank of food for pets.
Joyce Jacobs, associate director of the Harry Chapin Food Bank, said last year they provided 63,315 pounds of pet food through 16 different agencies. The Faith Presbyterian Church We Care Food Ministry distributed more than 5,000 pounds of pet food to the community with the assistance from Harry Chapin Food Bank.
“The program is going very strong,” Jacobs said, which began about two years ago.
She said since so many people are having to give up their pets due to the economy, they wanted to provide food for animals as well.
The Animal Refuge Center and Petco also became involved in the program. Jacobs said individuals can drop pet food off at Petco, along with 15 veterinary offices in the county.
“People love their pets like they do their children,” Jacobs said.
Green said everyone should bring their pet to the event and have a good time. She hopes the event, which is being held to “help out two really good causes” will be a lot of fun.
The event will be held at East West Veterinary Care Center, which is at 3526 Del Prado Blvd. South.