THREE RIVERS AREA — Each time a baby is born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are also born. This adds up to too many pets and not enough owners.
As of last week, the Humane Society of Independence County had 80 dogs and 50 cats available for adoption. Each adopted animal comes with a collar and leash and has been spayed or neutered, given shots and treated for heartworms, if needed. These expenses add up.
After seeing more animals come into the shelter with heartworms, it seemed necessary to treat them.
"The heartworm tests and preventive treatments were not budgeted," Director Bev Finch said. "And there is sometimes other medical stuff."
The Humane Society of Independence County is having its first Bark in the Park Doggie Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on the backside of the Lyon College campus near Scots' Field. What is hoped to become an annual event, Bark in the Park is to help raise money for the animals and to give back to the community.
"We want to work with the community and work for the community," said Sue Augustus, Humane Society of Independence County board of directors member. "They've (the community) given so much, and we just want to give back."
The Bark in the Park fundraising event will begin with a Dog Lovers Walk/Run at 10 a.m., which will be a mile and have obedience and agility stations along the way. The cost is $10, and prizes will be awarded to those dogs that perform well. Registration will begin at 9.
Blessing of the Pets will be at 11. The Best Dog competition consists of best kisser, tailwagger, barker, look-alike and most cute, and the registration fee for this is $2. Then see a showcase of talent in the My Dog's Got Talent competition. Registration is $5.
The Running of the Weenies dog race is $5 to enter and is open to all Dachshunds in the area.
"I'm wondering how you get the weenie dog to get from point A to point B," Finch said with a laugh. "We are all going to learn together."
Puppies will also be available to rent for playing, walking and relaxing. The Batesville High School Future Business Leaders of America will have a puppy paw printing booth and the Quick Groom and Pawlish Your Puppy Beauty Parlor.
"This will spruce up puppies they (visitors) bring to the park," Augustus said.
The Humane Society of Independence County has a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Around 600 animals go to new homes each year.
"Come and look and pick out the right animal for you," Augustus said. "We've got several girls who work there who know [the animals'] temperaments and will help match them up with new owners."
Finch said mixed-breed dogs are more healthy than purebreed dogs, and she encourages people to consider adoption first when looking for a pet.
"These animals are so appreciative," Finch said. "These shelter dogs are appreciative for everything done for them. They love attention."
The shelter receives no tax dollars, and it operates on donations, and the shelter does not euthanize its animals except for extreme health reasons.
Cotton candy and Bev Finch's barbecue sandwiches will also be available at the event.
For more information on the event, to donate or adopt a pet, call Finch at (870) 793-0090 or drop by the shelter at 5 Environmental Drive just off of U.S. 167 North.
Three Rivers, Pages 55, 58 on 10/01/2009