What organizers are calling one of the most fun events of the year also happens to be a more important fundraiser than in previous years – it’s the Hair of the Dog night in aid of the Cochrane and Area Humane Society (CAHS) on May 13.
This year’s extravaganza is sponsored by Melanie Babineau Mortgage Advisor, Kendra Watt Real Estate Group, Erol’s Automotive, Global Pet Foods Cochrane, Springfield Kennels, Royal Mechanical Services, and Jensen Ranch Rescue.
Tiffany Beaton from CAHS said the event is more important than ever, considering the humane society has seen a large increase in medical cases.
“Just this week we received 15 puppies, dogs and cats, all with severe wounds or diseases like broken pelvis, broken legs, parvo disease, and more,” she said. “With these increases comes a huge increase in medical costs.”
Complicating matters further, the humane society has been hit hard this year by inflationary pressures, the same as everyone else.
Pet food and related items, according to Canada’s Consumer Price Index, rose 13.5 per cent in March compared with the same month last year.
That’s in stark contrast to 4.3 per cent inflation for all goods and services combined for Canadian consumers.
The Hair of the Dog fundraiser is the brainchild of Kendra Watt and her best friend Kari Jensen, who started the event nine years ago, when they decided to do something to help raise money for the humane society in the wake of Watt losing her dog.
“It was in memory of my dog Osha, who had passed away,” she said.
She fosters dogs for the CAHS as they are awaiting adoption, and has two rescues of her own.
“We feel like we’ve won the lottery with these guys,” she said.
Her dogs help socialize the orphans waiting for adoption.
“The shelter is overwhelmed. So not only is there lack of space, but the staff really put their heart and soul into this, and if I can foster a couple of dogs in my home, it’s a nice break for the dogs and a break for the staff who work so hard,” she said.
“People really should consider adopting because there’s so many wonderful pets – cats, dogs, rabbits, other animals… and they make such wonderful pets.”
Watt added that many people – mistakenly, in her view – assume they need to go to a breeder if they want a good pet, and may be pleasantly surprised by what they see at the shelter if they do happen to stop by.
“They have personalities, and until you go in and meet them, you don’t know who you’re going to fall in love with,” she said. “And sometimes the animal picks you, instead of you picking the animal.”
Watt said the humane society’s need for support is greater this year than ever.
The Hair of the Dog will be hosted by The Cochrane Taphouse Bar and Grill (formerly The Venue) on Saturday May 13, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and include a buffet dinner, entertainment, and prizes.
It’s a highlight of Watt’s year. She ranks it at the top of all the many fundraising events in Cochrane.
“It’s the most fun you’re gonna have,” she said. “And it’s affordable.”
The evening will again feature a live auction, silent auction, 50/50, and raffles.
The Taphouse is located at 79 Railway St. East.
For tickets go to cochranehumane.ca.
The organizers are still looking for donations for silent auction items. To do so, go to the CAHS website.
