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Animals play as their humans Sweat for a Pet at annual Humane Society fundraiser

October 31st, 2010 Posted in Arts and Life

Story & Photos by Courtney Rhodes

LOGAN—Dogs and their humans crowded the Cache Valley Fairgrounds recently for the Cache Humane Society’s 2nd annual Sweat for a Pet fundraiser.

More than 700 local animal lovers and their pets came out for the event, which included pet adoptions and a 5k run and a 1-mile walk to raise money for the Humane Society. Perhaps more successful than the scheduled activities was the mob of pets—mostly dogs—and their people who socialized on the fairgrounds and enjoyed treats provided by the sponsors.

For CHS volunteer coordinator Teresa Linton, the whole thing was a great success.

“Events like Sweat for a Pet are extremely important to the CHS because it is a non-profit organization and depends on the kindness of the public to keep the shelter running,” Linton said. “Fund raisers like Sweat for a Pet not only bring in money to help with costs, but it is a good chance to get our animals adopted.”

At the end of the day, donations totaled topped $4,800. Sweat for a Pet not only raised money for the shelter, which is on Valley View Highway in the middle of Cache Valley, but also offered an opportunity for the shelter staff to catch up with adopted pets and for interested adopters to learn more about the animals awaiting homes.

Seven older dogs, which are more difficult to place in a home, attended the event with CHS volunteers. The dogs wore “adopt me” vests in hopes of finding humans to take them home. This informal social environment allowed potential adopters to see how the dogs interacted with other dogs and how they behaved in an excited atmosphere, volunteers explained. And it worked for three of the homeless hounds, who went home with new owners.

Sweat for a Pet would not have existed without its creator, 12-year-old Brylie Devries, who became determined more than a year ago to help animals in any way she could.

Brylie visited all the pet stores, veterinarians, and shelters throughout the valley looking for a place that would let her volunteer. But she was turned away because of her age. But the Humane Society welcomed her.

“Whenever Brylie went to the shelter she would always walk right past the puppies and head straight for the older dogs,” said Jodi Devries, Brylie’s mother. “She simply said that puppies always found homes quickly, but these older dogs were the ones that needed the help and the ones she wanted to help the most because they deserved loving homes just as much as the puppies.”

Brylie came up with the idea for an event to help raise money for the shelter and to get dogs adopted. She went to the CHS board of directors, who approved her idea and gave her permission to begin working on it.

Then 11, Brylie found enough sponsors to fund her event for the first year. She came up with the name, designed t-shirts, found a location, and organized the entire volunteer committee.

Because of her success, the board of directors appointed Brylie to the CHS fundraising committee. She has now become so involved in the Humane Society that she knows all the dogs in the shelter by name and even works the front desk.

The Cache Humane Society currently houses about 40 dogs and 48 cats, with room for impounded animals as well. The shelter is not a government agency, and is supported by public donations only.

The animal shelter at 2370 W. 200 North and is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit the CHS website for more information about the shelter and a current list of adoptable pets.

TP

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