Doggy Dash to raise needed funding for shelter
file photo
wo canines, Wilford and Kate, play during the 2013 Doggy Dash fundraising event to benefit the Mission Valley Animal Shelter.
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News from Mission Valley Animal Shelter
POLSON – The Mission Valley Animal Shelter has announced that its Doggy Dash 2014 will be held this year on Saturday, September 6, at the Linderman Track in Polson, rain or shine. Sponsor for the event is Anderson Radio Broadcasting.
The Doggy Dash 2014 kicks off with registration at 8:30 a.m., with the walk starting around 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to enlist sponsors for their walk to raise money for the animal shelter. Prizes will be awarded to the top adult and top junior (14 years and under) walkers based upon the amount of money raised. Each participant who collects $30 or more will get a free “Doggy Dash” T-shirt, which has been re-designed this year.
Contests for all “dashers” and their dogs will begin about 10:30 a.m. Categories this year include the popular owner/pet look-a-like, best/worst behaved dog, best trick, biggest /smallest dog, best kisser, baddest hair day, and best talker.
“Get you and your dogs ready to participate – it is always a blast. It’s all about having fun and raising money for the animals that need our help,” MVAS Vice President Sharon Hawke, said.
In addition to the “dash” – which is a leisurely walk around the track and not a race — Hawke said that there will be several events for everyone in the community so everyone can help the animal shelter. Pat Salmon, a local artist and photographer, will be on hand to take professional pictures of your pet for a reasonable fee, a portion of which will be donated to the Shelter.
“Pat’s photography the last several years has been tremendously popular and those that had pictures taken of their dogs were ecstatic at the end result,” Hawke said.
The Shelter will be offering discounted microchipping for your pet at $20 during the event.
“We really encourage pet owners to have their animals microchipped,” Hawke said. “It insures that if your pet gets lost or stolen you have an excellent chance of quickly being reunited with your beloved family member. Tags and collars fall off and if your pet is stolen, the first thing that is removed is the collar and tag.”
The microchip number is registered with a national database.
“It is an extra, important layer of security for you and your pet,” Hawke said.
Photographs and discounted microchipping will be available to everyone in the community.
“You do not need to be a participant in the event. Bring your four-legged companion to Linderman on Sept. 6 for a professional photograph and a microchip. What a deal, and you help the dogs and cats at the animal shelter at the same time.”
“This is the Shelter’s major annual fundraising event so it is very important that we have a good turn-out with everyone raising money to help our shelter. This is your animal shelter here in Lake County so please support it any way you can,” Hawke said.
All proceeds directly benefit the animals.
“These past several years have been tough for all nonprofits, including us, as donations have decreased significantly while operating costs continue to increase,” Hawke said. “In this economy, we must rely heavily on this fundraiser to help the animal shelter fund its operations. Please ask your friends, relatives, neighbors, businesses, even strangers, if necessary, to help by sponsoring you and your dog.”
Registration/pledge sheets may be obtained at Seconds 2 Go (next to McDonald’s) in Polson, at Wright Real Estate in Ronan or by calling the Shelter at (406) 883-5312.
“If that is not convenient, just go out and collect the money and bring it to the event without the pledge sheet,” said Hawke. All money is due the day of the Doggy Dash.
Mission Valley Animal Shelter is a privately-funded animal shelter for dogs and cats which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Its annual budget is approximately $250,000, all of which must be raised through donations, fundraising events and operations, since it receives no governmental funding of any kind. MVAS also operates a thrift store, Seconds 2 Go, in Polson to provide funds for its animal shelter operations. For more information, visit the Shelter’s Facebook page at Mission Valley Animal Shelter.
