We're here to help people and their pets

As I’m writing this I’m thinking, “Where in the world did the summer go!” Can you believe that it’s nearly the end of July!

Because this year is flying by, I wanted to provide an update on how the Foundation is doing this year with fundraising, as well as provide a small teaser of what the rest of the summer, and early fall, has in store for Campbell County pet owners. First, let me recap all of the fundraisers we’ve had since our last update.

From January 2-July 52, the Foundation has raised $6,750 to help provide families with pets’ access to veterinary care when they cannot afford it. We’ve done this by holding a variety of fundraisers (Garage Sales, Pics for Pets, Origami Owl party, Ladies Night, Tattoos, Breakfast Club, and Trivia Night) as well as done some cleaning events with CAM-PLEX. However, we’ve also helped more than 30 families and granted nearly $5,000 in aid—putting us at more than 60 families helped and nearly $11,000 in aid since we began in 2012. We’ve been busy bees.

The dog days of summer are just beginning. On August 23, the Fur Kids Foundation, with support from Campbell County and the City of Gillette, is hosting a Pooch Plunge so you can play with your pup in the water! We’re so excited for this event, and from the response we’ve received on Facebook, the community is as well. The cost is only $5 for two dogs, and there will be some baskets to bid on and a 50/50 raffle to participate in that day. Please join us.

Our third annual Pet-A-Palooza takes place September 13 and we’re in full event-planning mode at the moment. Last year, more than $4,000 was made at this fantastic event, and we’ve set a lofty goal of making $6,500 this year. For those who haven’t been to a Pet-A-Palooza, you really have to consider coming this year. This event features adoptable dogs, an agility course, costume contest, Mutt Strut Dog Walk, Pet Supply Drive and pet-focused businesses (and some who are just pet enthusiasts like us). We are still looking for silent auction items, sponsors, vendors and volunteers for this great event, so please drop us a line if you’re interested in helping out.

Looking back on this year, it’s clear to see that Fur Kids Foundation has made an impact on the community and has helped many families. Our board members and volunteers are very proud of this impact, and we look forward to doing much more in this community and region for many years to come.

The only reason the Foundation has the money to help pet owners is because of the very generous donations by businesses and individuals, as well as the dedication our board members and volunteers have to helping families keep their pets healthy. Today, I want to ask you to help us continue to help families like Odie’s and Louie’s, or even Mr. Guido’s or Cocoa’s. We are here to help local families keep their pets healthy. Please, donate today.