Wag-A-Tail key fundraiser for Humane Society

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/09/2019 (2363 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When one-year-old Saga arrived at the Brandon Humane Society she was a “bag of bones,” trying to feed her six newborn puppies.

She was found during a Pawsitive Communities spay and neuter clinic in Sandy Bay First Nation, scared of people and struggling to survive, shelter manager Tracy Munn said.

“She was really, really skinny and had puppies. They were living outside,” Munn said. “It was horrifying — We’re lucky they survived.”

Saga has called the Humane Society home for a couple of months now and is healing — building her strength and rebuilding her trust of people.

She is a dog eager to share her love, a tail wag and a belly rub, but the horrors she experienced can still leave her skittish at times, Munn said.

If she did not have the Brandon Humane Society, Saga and her puppies would not be alive today.

It is critical for the shelter to fundraise so they can continue to save animals like Saga, Munn said.

They will be celebrating their biggest fundraiser of the year, their 18th annual Wag-A-Tail Walk-A-Thon on Sunday at Kin Park.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is followed by a barbecue with the Brandon Wheat Kings. The walk is located on First Street and Aberdeen Avenue, one block south of Richmond Avenue.

Saga’s background is a story shared by many of the animals saved by the Brandon Humane Society — some come as surrenders while others are found living abandoned outside.

“You see sights you just can’t unsee,” Munn said.

They meet the best of people and the worst of people at the Brandon Humane Society, Munn said, adding that she is thankful the worst are few and far between.

At the end of the day, the most important part is that the dogs and cats are grateful to have a space to feel safe with people who love them, Munn said.

All people are responsible for looking after the animals and the community, she said, adding that we need to take care of everyone.

Right now, the Brandon Humane Society is sheltering and fostering more than 100 dog and cats, and approximately 30 puppies under the age of 10 weeks.

It can be challenging to look after everyone because the Humane Society receives no funding from any level of government.

Because of this, they depend on support from the Westman community.

“We’re at the mercy of amazing people,” Munn said.

The Wag-A-Tail Walk-A-Thon typically raises approximately $40,000, Munn said, adding that she would love to see the fundraiser break the $50,000 mark this year.

“It’s a great day to meet the dogs and meet the people,” Munn said.

The Humane Society costs approximately $250,000 a year to run.

Expenses at the facility include two full-time employees, two part-time employees, approximately $12,000 in dry food a year and $24,000 for water.

They easily spend $50,000 a year on vet bills, Munn said, explaining that the vets who work with the Brandon Humane Society offer their services at half price.

“We’re at the mercy of own fundraising and the people who love animals,” she said.

They fundraise throughout the year to keep the lights on, food in the animals’ bowls and a roof over their heads.

It is important to have the support of volunteers year-round as well, Munn said.

Pledge sheets for the Walk-A-Thon are available at The Brandon Humane Society, Brandon Hill Vet Clinic, A Pet Lovers Warehouse, Pet Valu, the Brandon Animal Clinic and Best West Pet Foods.

“Go grab a pledge sheet,” Munn said. “We have to start somewhere. It’s everyone’s problem. You can be part of the solution by going to Wag-A-Tail.”

» ckemp@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp