Man’s best friend shines at Humane Society of the Ohio Valley fundraiser
MARIETTA — Man’s best friend had a walk in the park Sunday as the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley held it’s Wags N Whiskers Paws Walk at Muskingum Park in Marietta to raise awareness and funds.
Celeste Ridgway is a Rescue and Transport Coordinator and also oversees the foster program that organizes foster and rescue which moves dogs out of the local shelter and into rescues.
“We try to move 400-500 dogs a year to other parts of Ohio and even other states,” she said.
“Fundraisers always help out the shelter as far as support of the daily financial demands of the shelter. We support ourselves with fundraising events in order to survive,” said Ridgway. “This particular event allows people to bring their furry-legged friends with them and it makes for a fun day.
“We have over 40 dogs and over 50 cats available for adoption currently at the shelter. All of our animals come ‘altered’ meaning they have been spayed or neutered and have their shots and worming,” she said.
Saturday’s event featured a dog costume contest, a show us your tricks contest, bobbing for tennis balls, a country store, a paparazzi photo area, face painting for kids and, of course, the dog walk.
“This is one of many events we have to raise money for the shelter. Today’s event is fun and family oriented,” said Teresa Cunningham, another Rescue and Transport Coordinator with the HSOV.
“We try to do regular fundraisers,” added Volunteer Coordinator Jamiann Voshell. “Our next event is in October. I love volunteering for the Humane Society. I’ve been here about a year. I think fundraising 24-7.”
The next HSOV fundraiser is the “Spay-ghetti Benefit” from noon-5 p.m. Oct. 15 at the American Legion in Williamstown. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. There also will be raffles, a nickel auction and other fun.
Marilyn House, of Marietta, is a seven-year volunteer at the HSOV. She is a transport volunteer.
“This is a great socializing event for the dogs. This helps make aware to the public what animals we have for adoption,” she said of Sunday’s event.
“It’s just a good community event. There’s a lot of fellowship,” continued House. “I think dogs help bring people together. We like seeing a lot of people come to this event.”
House transports dogs to rescue groups in Ohio and other states where an arrangement has been made to find homes for the dogs.
“I hand them over to good homes,” she said. “When I come home from transporting a dog, I have a happy heart.”
Kathy and Dave Wilhelm, of Marietta, were at Sunday’s event with their dog, Sadie, who they adopted from the Marietta shelter six years ago when she was two.
“We decided to get a dog and Dave went and picked out Sadie. She’s been a really good dog,” said Kathy Wilhelm.
Dave said, “If a dog has been abused, it will probably be the best dog you’ll ever have because they want to be loved and paid attention to,” Dave Wilhelm said.
Many shelter dogs are great for adoption because they are a little older and have settled down and owners don’t have to go through the puppy stage.
Anyone interested in donating money or adopting a dog or cat can visit the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley on County House Lane in Marietta, visit www.HSOV.org or call 740-373-5959.