COCHRANE— Opening up the links to include furry four-legged friends, the Cochrane Golf Club is now offering memberships for dogs.
All proceeds raised from the dog golf club memberships are matched by the Cochrane Golf Club said operations manager Brad Walz, with 100 per cent of the funds going to the Cochrane Humane Society.
“A lot of families are very much attached to their animals and very responsible pet owners so I just felt it was an avenue to create an opportunity for those people but also to create an opportunity for us where we’re offering something different,” Walz said. “I love animals… and I want it to grow this year.”
The dog golf club membership is available for $50 per year. While playing around dogs are expected to be on a leash and following the rules of the game.
Walz said he was inspired to create the fundraiser because he loves dogs and golf and thought the two could complement each other by creating a pet-friendly golf course without restrictions.
The club's first canine member is a black lab named Lucy who was out on the links the first day they opened on Saturday, May 8.
Lucy’s owner Mark Brown said she enjoys getting out on the course and is a patient golfing companion.
“She always observes the rules and she loves getting a treat when we have a good hole,” Brown said with a laugh.
Lucy is training to become a caddy, he said with a chuckle and is already good at standing guard over the golf clubs.
Brown said it is fantastic bringing her on the links when the entire family plays a game.
“It means we can spend time as a full family, she gets a lovely walk, we get time to spend with her,” Brown said. “It’s absolutely perfect.”
He added that he is grateful Lucy can have a membership and is welcomed on the course because it means they get to play more often.
The support for the Cochrane Humane society was the icing on the cake when it came to getting the membership Brown said, explaining that his children and wife volunteer with the organization.
Last year the club partnered with the Cochrane Humane Society and raised funds for the organization through a $5 doggy green fee.
The initiative found success, Walz said, explaining that they raised $1,000 in fees and matching donations from the club.
Cochrane & Area Humane Society communications coordinator Lisa Kedian said allowing dogs onto the greens is a great way to build bonds between families and their pets. She added the support from the Cochrane Golf is welcomed, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are super excited they are offering the pet-friendly golf for their members,” Kedian said. “It allows families to bring their pets and spend some good quality bonding time when they’re playing golf.”
Golf is a great activity for families with calm and friendly dogs, she said, adding that the Humane Society offers virtual training programs to help get dogs ready for the greens.
The Humane Society has virtual dog training classes and consultations to help canines that are more reactive to new situations. These programs usually have a fee of $225, but during the pandemic, the shelter is offering them at a “pay what you can” rate.
Kedian said the organization is thankful for the support and appreciates the funds because the non-profit has had to cancel several fundraising events due to COVID-19 public health measures.
“We’ve had to cancel all of our programming— We really rely on the donations that are coming in right now to help us,” Kedian said. “Donations help us continue to offer the quality of care that we want to give the animals.”
Fundraising, grants and donations help ensure the Cochrane & Area Humane Society can run day-to-day operations including the shelter’s on-site vet and hospital facilities.
There are many steps involved in helping animals get ready to be adopted into families, she said, explaining that the non-profit provides care that includes behavioural and medical support.
“Those animals need help and there’s no one to help them— That’s what we’re here for,” Kedian said.
She added that a silver lining of the pandemic is that countless animals who have found their forever homes. It is the perfect time to adopt she said because people can spend more time bonding and helping their new pet adjust to their new home.
“Right now the second they’re on our website they are flying out the door,” Kedian said. “We’re ecstatic about that.”
