It takes a village to raise a pet
Cathie Billings is the president of Helping Animals Lunenburg County, a bustling South Shore animal rescue organization.
Billings is a passionate woman who has been devoted to rescuing animals for most of her life. She reached out to me recently to discuss ideas of how to thank local businesses that tirelessly supported her rescue. I asked her to list a few and I also reached out to other rescues, only to discover many companies that not only lend a hand to help homeless pets, they lend a repeatedly.
Billings said the following companies have shown support: two south shore Pet Valu stores, Shur Gain, Your Friends & Mine Pet Supply, Jennifurs Mobile Cat Grooming Services, Nova Veterinary and Petite Wellness Centre, First Choice Hair Cutters, and Gow's Home Hardware,
Nahleen Ashton from Misfit Manor Dog Rescue noted the following businesses support her efforts: Pet Value Bridgewater, Ren's Pets Dartmouth,
The Dog Shop in Mahone Bay, some of our vet clinics (Full Circle, Cobequid, South Shore, Avon), Home Hardware in Windsor and many more. Ashton noted many smaller businesses hold events for her organization. Smaller independent companies always want to show support and every dollar counts when it comes to rescue animals.
Annette Armitage of Animal Rescue Coalitions has a very close relationship with Westwood Veterinary Clinic in Tantallon. The clinic organizes ticket raffles for baskets, with proceeds going to the rescue.
The clinic also holds an annual barbecue dog walk in support of homeless pets. Best Friends Pet Store and Canadian Tire have also been loyal corporate supporters of Armitage's Rescue.
Jeannette Reynolds who runs Greyhound Pets of Atlantic Canada said many business and veterinary clinics support her efforts from all over metro and the province. She feels very fortunate to have so many committed partners.
It's heartwarming to hear about the number of community businesses supporting local animal rescue. You may remember the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.”
Maybe it also takes a community to save an animal's life. Rescue volunteers are not super heroes, so they cannot continue doing the lifesaving work they do without community support.
If you own a business or work with a company, you may want to reach out to a local rescue or shelter and ask how you can help. Consider having a 50/50 weekly draw, bake sales, or sell tickets on a basket or any other imaginative idea. Your involvement does not have to be a large financial commitment because rescues and shelters ensure every penny goes to helping homeless pets in need. You could even request your funds go towards a specific cause such as food, veterinarian care, or you can sponsor a special needs pet.
Mother Teresa said, “not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Please be kind to animals.
Mother Teresa said, ‘Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.’