A fundraiser for the Animal Rescue Fund in Wallaceburg had their biggest turnout yet over the weekend.
The Moose Lodge was packed on Saturday evening for the annual 7th annual ARF event.
In total, $3,400 was raised – the highest total in the events history.
Susan Arends, the manager at the Wallaceburg Animal Shelter, said the funds raised at ARF go a long way to help animals in the community.
“The Wallaceburg Animal Shelter does not get any government funding to operate,” Arends said. “Beyond the basic needs allowance for the dogs coming into care, there is not a lot left over for medical needs. Some dogs coming into the shelter need medical attention.”
A roast beef dinner was served at the event and music was provided by Don and Bonnie Cook and Classic Vibe.
Arends said ARF started when a dog named Maddie wandered onto a local construction site.
“The construction crew on the job shared their lunch with Maddie, but they soon realized she was sick as well as injured,” Arends said. “Maddie had been tied with a chain and the chain had become embedded in her neck. Her neck was infected and smelled terribly.”
Arends said animal control was called and they promised the Wallaceburg Shleter that Maddie would not be euthanized until the construction crew were contacted.
“After seeing the veterinarians at the Wallaceburg Animal Hospital it was discovered Maddie was heart worm positive as well as having infection in her body from the wounds on her neck,” she said. “As per the promise, Maddie’s crew was contacted, they had raised some money for Maddie’s medical needs, but not enough. ARF was started by Charlotte Hogan and the ARF history started.”
Arends said Maddie was treated with antibiotics for the infection, her neck wounds were cleaned twice daily and the heart worm was treated.
“Maddie endured all the treatments with a great disposition and never a bite or growl was heard from this wonderful animal,” she said. “The staff at the Wallaceburg Animal Shelter are very thankful for the fund. It’s much nicer to be able to treat the dogs with medical problems, than to pass them off to new owners to deal with or euthanize.”
The fundraising is on-going for ARF, as a quilt, valued at $400, that has been donated will be auctioned off.
Tickets are available at K9 Klips for $5 each.
Here are some photos from the event on Saturday:
