Cochrane and area dog people and cat people will put aside their differences Nov. 4 for the biggest fundraiser of the year in aid of their furry friends.
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society’s annual Wags and Whiskers gala, presented by Global Pet Foods Cochrane and in part by Royal Canin, is the society’s most fun and important fundraiser of the year.
Society executive director Janine Rossler won’t weigh in on the dogs-vs- cats debate, as would probably be expected from someone in her position.
“I really love all animals,” she said with a laugh.
Rossler promises Wags and Whiskers will be an evening of food and fun, with silent and live auctions. There will even be a puppy kissing booth.
The humane society’s biggest fundraiser of the year is more important than ever this year because funding requirements are much more complex – and greater – than ever before.
“The fundraiser raises critical funds, not only for our internal hospital, because we’re seeing an increase in medical cases this year, but for the general operation as well,” Rossler said.
One possible explanation for the increase in demand for animal hospital services is that during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to veterinarian care in general may have been limited or delayed.
The upcoming event is specifically aimed at supporting the internal hospital, which allows the society to spay and neuter pets onsite.
Last year’s gala raised about $47,000. Rossler hopes to see this year’s total surpass that.
Much more than a shelter, the local humane society provides a comprehensive service to help pet owners learn how to live with their dogs, offering seminars and training classes.
“We have a host of programs to support people, from emergency boarding to training classes for the dogs, consultations for specific issues, calming classes, and professional trainers that will work one-on-one with families to help keep those pets in the home,” Rossler said.
In partnership with the Cochrane Activettes, the society also runs a pet food bank for pet-owners who are struggling financially. Rossler said that’s an example of the society’s commitment to meeting social needs, because their work is all about the partnership between people and their animals. They have up to five behavioural counsellors and five professional dog trainers on staff, as well as a veterinarian.
Just prior to the pandemic, the shelter started to see a rise in the numbers of dogs coming in with behavioural issues. As the pandemic progressed, those numbers skyrocketed – not just in Cochrane but around the continent.
Rossler said that in conversations with her counterparts across the country, no one has been able to determine the actual cause of the increase, although it has coincided with the pandemic.
“It’s the number-one issue we discuss, and we’re all trying to navigate through this,” she said.
So not only are they seeing more dogs with more serious behavioural issues, the length of time those dogs need to stay with the shelter is also much longer, according to Rossler, as they need extra rehabilitation to make them adoptable.
“Dogs that would normally stay days or weeks are now staying weeks or months, so that takes more resources,” she said.
Donations to the society can be made online or in person at 62 Griffin Industrial Point. Monetary pledges are the most appreciated, Rossler said, as they can be directed to the areas most in need.
Bottles and cans are also appreciated, as are gifts-in-kind, as described in the wish list on their website.
Or, to contribute, supporters can go to the Nov. 4 gala and bid on a number of auction items. Donations of auction items are still being accepted.
The popularity of the gala and the support it receives are evidenced by the fact the early bird tickets are almost sold out at a reduced price of $85 – there were about 20 left as of Oct. 20. After Oct. 25, ticket prices will go up $95.
The event is at 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the RancheHouse, 101 Ranchehouse Road.
To find out more about the Cochrane & Area Humane Society, buy tickets to Wags and Whiskers, or donate to the local charity, go to cochranehumane.ca.
Sponsorships are available by contacting Janine Rossler at [email protected].
