COCHRANE— Throwing their support behind the Cochrane Humane Society, key sponsors of the Hair of the Dog fundraiser were able to take a bite out of the non-profit's expenses with a donation of $5,000
Kendra Watt, of Kendra Watt Real Estate Group with CIR, launched the Hair of the Dog fundraiser six years ago as a way to raise funds for the Cochrane and Area Humane Society with her friend Kari Jensen of Chew Chew Pediatrics.
“It feels great to support them— They’re my favourite charity,” Watt said. “They’ve been my biggest charity recipient over the years and always will be.”
Hair of the Dog was set to take place in April, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were forced to cancel the 2020 event.
Embracing the adversity brought on by the virus Watt and her fellow five key sponsors were able to donate $1,000 each to raise $5,000 for the Humane Society.
Hair of the Dog is supported by major sponsors Kendra Watt Real Estate Group with CIR, Kari Jensen of Chew Chew Pediatrics, Erol Yersel of Erol Automotive, Jason Helfrich owner of Royal Mechanical Services Ltd. and Fiona Sharman with Global Pet Foods Cochrane. The donation was presented to Cochrane and Area Humane Society Executive Director Janine Rossler.
“Even though we didn’t get a chance to host the event, we recognize the Humane Society is just an imperative part of this community,” Watt said. “We love what they do and how they do it. We wanted to provide a little bit of financial support for them.”
Watt added that if health measures are eased in the fall there is the possibility a different fundraising event may take place.
It is an amazing feeling being able to help the Human Society, Watt said, adding that her only regret is that they have not been able to do more for the organization during the pandemic.
“We recognize that $5,000 isn’t really going to go far for this organization but it feels good to do what we can,” Watt said, explaining that all Hair of the Dog sponsors are locally run businesses that have felt firsthand the economic sting of the virus.
Watt said she hopes the community members are inspired by the Hair of the Dog fundraiser to support their favourite charity and open their wallets to help them keep afloat during the pandemic.
“Every little bit counts— If you can only donate 10, or 20 or 30 dollars it all adds up when a group of you get together.”
Cochrane and Area Human Society communications coordinator Lisa Kedian said it was inspiring to see sponsors rally to donate to the organization.
“It’s amazing and it really shows us that our community is really supporting us and always there for us,” Kedian said. “We can’t even put into words how much we appreciate that gesture.”
She added that because of COVID-19 they have been unable to host many of their programs the shelter relies on for revenue and key fundraisers have also been cancelled.
“Just because of what’s happening out here with COVID doesn’t mean that we still aren’t receiving an intake of several animals each day,” Kedian said. “Those animals still need medical care, those animals need food and water, they still need care.”
As COVID-19 public health measures are eased the Humane Society will begin offering some of its key programmings including the popular PACE program.
The Positive Approach Canine Education (PACE) program is designed to teach students the theory and practical ability to work with and handle dogs.
PACE offers two certificates— The CAHS Canine Handling Skills and Behaviours Knowledge Certificate and the CAHS Canine Behavior, Handling Skills & Instructor Certificate.
“This program is awesome for people looking for a career change, people that are already in the animal care field including veterinarians, vet technicians, groomers, dog walkers and people that are looking to start their own rescue,” Kedian said. “This program teaches you all about behaviour, it teaches you how dogs learn, how dogs think, how to deal with different dog behaviours, how to work with reactive dogs.”
It is a unique program, she added, because the shelter boasts its own in-house certified dog trainers and access to behaviour dogs that PACE students can work with.
“You have dogs coming in that have either been strays, have never been around people, have never understood being cared and loved for,” Kedian said, “Just to see the difference of the dog coming in completely scared and then a while later you see that same dog with its tail wagging and all of sudden it loves people and it’s been socialized— It’s such an amazing thing.”
The PACE program is open for registration until Aug. 7 with the program beginning on Sept. 12.
Based on COVID-19 public health protocols there may a reduction in the number of students accepted to the program to ensure social distancing is maintained, Kedian said.
