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Old MacDonald Kennels ‘bursting at the seams’

Several fundraisers being held this spring to help with operating costs
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(Stock image)

There are a variety of upcoming opportunities to support the local animal shelter, Old MacDonald Kennels (OMK).

The funds raised are for ongoing operating costs such as vet bills, food, medications and supplies.

“We are bursting at the seams with animals,” said OMK fundraising and marketing manager Brandi Thomson.

“Adoptions are the slowest they have ever been. Puppies and kittens becoming dogs and cats waiting for someone to save them.”

Thompson said there are many people returning animals they adopted and owners wanting to surrender their dogs.

“I truly believe this is from the COVID bubble bursting. In 2020, all the shelters got emptied; everyone wanted a dog. Now everyone has had to go back to the office and now that dog just doesn’t fit into their lifestyle anymore.”

Fundraisers

Brush up on your dart throwing skills, because the Darts fur Barks tournament benefiting OMK, originally set in November, has been rescheduled for March 18 at the Ponoka Legion.

This is a fun community event and all skill levels are welcome. Even if you don’t play, you can come on down and watch your friends.

The cover charge is $15 for spectators.

The tournament will be a doubles format with double elimination, with an entry fee of $70 per team.

There will be prizes for the top three teams, a silent auction and drinks as well as a charcuterie table and hors d’ourves. Doors open at 12 p.m.

Bring your own teammate and a set of darts.

The registration deadline is March 11. Click here to register.

OMK has your sweet tooth covered for you and your sweetheart this Valentine’s. There’s a few days left to get your Oodles of Chocolates orders in before the Feb. 5 deadline.

You can also spoil your pooch by ordering a Fur Baby Valentine Bundle. For $35, you receive a large jar of Dozer’s Blend fresh-baked treats and a custom, hand-carved name tag in a heart design.

With no flour, the treats are perfect for pets with sensitivities.

If an online auction is more your speed, check out the Spring Equinox Online Auction, starting March 20.

Donations are currently being collected from vendors.

Empty bottles building up in your garage? Drop them off at the Ponoka Bottle Depot and say they’re for OMK and the proceeds will go to the shelter.

Donating those empties could save a life.

Registration links can be found on their events pages on their Facebook page. For more information, email omk.fundraising@gmail.com or call 403-358-9387.

Greatest needs

Thomson said the shelter’s greatest needs for supplies right now are puppy food (Barkers or Performatrin Ultra brands), canned wet cat food, puppy pee pads, kitten milk replacer, blankets and towels.

Volunteers are also always appreciated.

“We always welcome dog walkers to come out and volunteer,” said Thomson.

“There will be events coming up, like the dart tournament, that we will need volunteers to help us out. Dart experience is helpful.”

Focusing on central Alberta, OMK rescues animals from Ponoka, Stettler, Camrose and surrounding areas.



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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