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Woof Walk set to raise funds for “skyrocketing vet bills” at ADHS

September 8, 2022   ·   0 Comments

The Alliston & District Humane Society (ADHS) will host its annual Wolf Walk fundraiser at the shelter on Saturday, September 10.

In addition to the walk, the event includes games for participating four legged friends and their owners, and tours of the shelter plus a barbecue.

Those without pets are also welcome to attend.

Woof Walk registration begins at the ADHS shelter, located on the 4th Line of Tosorontio, at 11 a.m. Virtual walking is also an option.

“If registrants choose to participate virtually, they can set up a team online or make a donation there,” said Janet Dickson, Fundraiser Coordinator for the ADHS. “We are hoping to raise at least 10k to help with our skyrocketing vet bills.”

Although the number of animals currently in the care of the ADHS is constantly changing, Dickson told The Times, “Our kennels are full, and we have a dozen or more dogs in foster homes and foster to adopt programs.”

She adds, “We have about 50-plus domestic rabbits and close to seventy-five cats and kittens. There are about thirty cats in the shelter but many more in foster care, and all kittens are in foster homes with their moms. We have a steady stream of surrenders, as well as pound dogs coming to the shelter.  So, that’s about 150 in care right now – with the numbers changing all of the time.”

In addition to participating in Woof Walk, interested supporters can make a donation through the ADHS Facebook page, or its website. Donations of cash or animal supplies are needed. 

“We have a wish list on our website of basic needs, and monetary donations are always needed to cover our vet bills which have skyrocketed during the pandemic due to the increased number of animals coming into our care,” confirms Dickson.

Dickson asks that pet supplies for donation can be brought to the Woof Walk, or to the shelter anytime by pre-arrangement.

“In fact, we’d appreciate that!” she said.

The ADHS Woof Walk, previously called the “Walk-a Dog-Athon” has been running for 15 years. 

“Before the shelter was up, it was held at Earl Rowe Park,” said Dickson. “We would like to showcase the shelter this year, so are having it on site. To date, nearly five-thousand dollars has been raised via online team registration. The day of the Woof Walk others will bring paper pledge sheets and pledge money as well.”

In addition to raising funds, ADHS staff and volunteers are hoping to bring a new sense of awareness to the animal crisis in the area.

“We are jammed packed at the shelter right now, and surrender and abandonment numbers in all animal areas are through the roof. We’ve also seen an increase in unclaimed and abandoned animals with serious medical issues,” said Dickson.

Unable to host an open house during the pandemic, the ADHS also hopes to start weekend adoption days again this fall, as long as COVID numbers don’t go up. They are currently preparing the shelter.

“We are working on completing our outdoor dog pens, generously donated by the Morningview Foundation. Donors have provided us with pergolas, benches, and we are working on landscaping and lighting. These pens are providing badly-needed areas for exercise and play for our dogs. We also have a small rabbit run area outside as a result of our donors’ generosity,” said Dickson.

For more information or to register visit allistonhumane.com/woof-walk-2022.

For more information and for ways to help animals in care visit allistonhumane.com or call 705-458-9038. The shelter is located at 5545 Concession Rd 4, Everett.

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