There will be plenty of kitty cats purring at All About Dogs this weekend.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2, the dog and cat grooming business at 4932 – 49 St. is hosting its Second Annual Charity Fundraiser for Alley Cats Rescue – the non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless felines.
Last year the All About Dogs fundraiser collected just over $1,200 for Alley Cats Rescue.
Jennifer Chik, owner of All About Dogs, said proceeds from all dog washes, which include a bath and high velocity drying, will go to Alley Cats Rescue. As well, the proceeds from nail trims by special guest groomer Shelley from Doggy Doos in Red Deer, will also be donated.
“The dog wash is for appointment only and we are almost full for that. But we have so many other things going on,” said Chik. “We have a bake sale, coffee donated by Tim Hortons, annual Alley Cats Rescue calendars for sale, a silent auction, a 50-50 draw and a raffle draw if you bring a donation that is off their wish list.”
The wish list includes bleach and laundry supplies, clumping cat litter, porcelain cat dishes, scratch posts, washable cat beds and cat toys.
The fundraiser will see many of the society's representatives in attendance and they are bringing several adoptable cats and kittens. Chik said it was important for the public to know that Alley Cats Rescue only services homeless feral cats from the streets – not ones that need homes because they have been surrendered from owners.
“They take street cats, ones that don't have a chance and never had a chance, and they get them off the street. There are so many good things about that as opposed to taking people's surrendered pets,” said Chik. “You hear the complaints about the stray cat in the flower bed or the stray cats always coming around. They are really working to get that problem fixed around the region and they have started to branch out -- around Lacombe, Blackfalds, Innisfail and some cats from Ponoka.
“I like that because there are a lot of places that won't take feral cats, and they turn their backs on the feral cat problem, which everybody hates but nobody does anything about it,” she added. “It is one of the only organizations that really does anything about the feral cat population. For more information about the Nov. 2 Alley Cats Rescue fundraiser call 403-227-1970 or go to the Alley Cats Rescue and All About Dogs Facebook pages.
