AWL Hosts Vets For Pets To Raise Funds For Building Project
Darla McCammon and one of the many, adorable pets at the AWL.
The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County is partnering with the Warsaw VFW to host the third annual Vets For Pets fundraiser Saturday, June 20. The event will offer something for everyone — including pets.
Events will kick off at 2 p.m. at the VFW, located at 1350 W. Center St., Warsaw. Guests are offered free admission and a variety of entertainment including games, a cornhole tournament, food, a silent auction and more. Bluegrass music will be provided by the Elk Mountain Boys and a 50/50 raffle will offer a variety of goods to bid on.
Kids can enjoy balloon animals, a clown, games with prizes and a chance to see the pets from the animal welfare league. Both cats and dogs will be available for adoption at the event, as well.
According to Executive Director Darla McCammon, the event will help raise funds for a new building for the shelter. McCammon explained the need, citing poor storage, poor housing and difficulty maintaining a standard of excellence in terms of cleanliness at the facility.
Fifteen loads of laundry is done each day in a small laundry space that also acts as a hallway in the AWL.
The shelter, which strives to keep pets both comfortable and clean, is over capacity. In an effort to still accommodate animals, additional cage areas have been added — however these cages are far from the shelter’s standards. Hygiene and quality of care are important to the AWL and McCammon cited the numerous steps taken by staff and volunteers to ensure these efforts, from sterilizing equipment to utilizing black lights to ensure cages are germ free.
However due to limitation at the facility, McCammon noted the need for more room and better structuring. From overflowing drain areas staff must walk through to limitations in space for pets, the AWL is struggling to meet the needs of the Kosciusko community and beyond.
In addition to fundraising, the AWL is working to create a stronger volunteer program, offering a variety of volunteer opportunities from walking dogs to cuddling cats or helping with clerical work.
Youth are also encouraged to get involved. McCammon noted a new summer initative to help young people donate funds to the shelter. The shelter will help make signs and advertise projects planned by local youth including fundraising garage sales, bake sales, lemonade stands, lawn mowing, dog walking, pet sitting, car washes and more. Children who raise more than $45 will receive a free AWL T-shirt and may be featured on the AWL website.
For more information on the AWL or its pets, call 574-267-3008 or visit http://awlwarsaw.com/. In addition, those wishing to apply as a volunteer may print off, fill out and turn in the volunteer form attached below.
