It felt like doggy heaven for the 40 dogs that attended this year’s Paws for a Cause event on Sunday in Fernie.
More than 120 people brought their furry friemds to the third annual Elk Valley Paws for a Cause event, which raised more than $7,000 for the East Kootenay SPCA shelter in Cranbrook.
The walk also helped some dogs from the shelter find a new home and family in the Elk Valley.
Dozens of wagging tails paraded through downtown Fernie on Sunday, in a mass show of support for the BCSPCA.
More than 120 people with at least 40 dogs attended the third annual Elk Valley Paws for a Cause event, which raised more than $7,000 for the East Kootenay SPCA shelter in Cranbrook.
The walk also helped some dogs from the shelter find a new home and family in the Elk Valley.
Amanda McDonald and her family decided to adopt a dog named Mojo after walking him during the day.
A second dog may also be adopted by a Fernie couple after a two week trial period.
There were two walk routes available, as well as demonstrations by Denise McKay and her award-winning agility Dobermans, the Southern Alberta Working Herding Dogs Association, scent hurdling team Due South, Kirk Gutzman and Lily of Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association.
Vet Dr Dave Marion, who has just opened a new clinic in West Fernie, gave a talk on pet first aid and the supplies that pet owners can carry in case of emergency.
There was also a pet parade and local businesses ran market booths at the event, which was held outside Fernie Aquatic Centre.
“We were overwhelmed by the support we received for the event,” said Dave Hamilton, one of the local organizers and BC SPCA provincial board member for the East Kootenay region.
“We want to thank the dozens of businesses who made donations, or donated prizes for our silent auction and raffle, and we are very grateful to the local community for all the money that we raised on the day. All the money will go directly to the shelter in Cranbrook.”
The top individual fundraiser was Jenn Williams of Elkford, who raised more than $600.
Scotiabank’s Fernie branch was the top team fundraiser, with more than $1300 raised through pledges, two hot dog sales and a 50/50 draw in aid of the event.
See www.bit.ly/FerniePets for more photos of the Elk Valley Paws for a Cause.
Matt Kuhn Photography will donate 50 per cent of any photo sales to this year’s event.
R.Edwards