Bark for Life supports local shelters

[May 16, 2017]   LINCOLN - Two years ago in San Jose, the doctors and staff at Greenhaven Animal Hospital sponsored the first “Bark for Life.”

The fundraiser, similar to Relay for Life, is an opportunity to walk around the park, this time with your dog. Now with three veterinary locations and a growing pet owner interest the event was moved to Kickapoo Creek Park in Lincoln and was held on May 13th.

Many people with their canine loved ones gathered to enjoy the perfect Saturday afternoon in the park. Festivities included free food, Ritchhart’s Mobile Petting Zoo, balloon animals, a Hot Air Balloon Ride Raffle, face painting, Smooch a Pooch Booth, dogs for adoption, and more. Everyone who attended had a great time.

Proceeds from the event will be divided evenly between Humane Society of Logan County, Tazewell Animal Protective Society, Mason County Pets without Parents and Sangamon County Animal Control.

Humane Society of Logan County

Since April 2006, the Humane Society of Logan County has been protecting animals. HSLC “is committed to the prevention of cruelty, abuse and neglect of animals through its adoption program, cruelty investigation, spay/neuter assistance program, and humane awareness and education.” The not-for-profit organization relies on donations from its members, fundraisers, and individuals and businesses in the community committed to helping animals in Logan County. For more information about HSLC phone [phone] or email [e-mail].

Tazewell Animal Protective Society

Located in Pekin, Tazewell Animal Protective Society is a no-kill animal shelter providing a home until permanent homes can be found. “TAPS brings companion animals together through a comprehensive, holistic adoption center complete with community outreach and education, aggressive spay/neuter, rehabilitation and training programs to ensure a loving partnership for life.” An endowment fund provides annual funding for the mission, but donations are always welcomed and appreciated. For questions contact TAPS at 309-353-8277.

Mason County Pets without Parents

Mason County Pets without Parents was started in November 2004. It is their mission “to provide humane and ethical treatment of all animals which enter our facility, whether stray, homeless, abused or unwanted and to find adoptive and foster homes for these animals where they will be cared for properly.” The facility relies on donations from fundraising, memorials, and funds provided by Mason County while they wait for foster homes for the animals. For ways to volunteer call 309-562-7240 or email petswithout [e-mail].

Sangamon County Animal Control

Sangamon County Animal Control “is responsible for enforcing state, county and city ordinances (upon request) pertaining to dog and cats; impounding animals found to be in violation of those ordinances; investigating bite incidents; investigating inhumane treatment of animals and investigating domestic livestock injury claims.” While Sangamon County Animal Control is a government organization, it still relies on donations to make the animals stay as comfortable as possible. You can talk to Animal Control Staff by calling 217-535-3065.

Hosts and volunteers for the fundraiser included doctors and staff from three veterinary locations:

Best Friends Animal Hospital has been serving Logan County for over 40 years offering “comprehensive animal medical care, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, 24-hour emergency care and much more for your dogs and cats.” The hospital also offers “wellness and preventative care, along with client education and resources for the ultimate pet owner support.” To make an appointment at Best Friends Animal Hospital call 217-732-7125.

Greenhaven Animal Clinic located in San Jose, provides veterinary care for large and small animals. Greenhaven Animal Clinic was founded in 1964. The doctors at Greenhaven Animal Clinic “focus on providing cutting-edge veterinary care to both small animal and large animal patients throughout central Illinois.” Call 309-247-3231 for an appointment.

Prairiehaven Animal Hospital in Sherman provides care for dogs and cats in Sherman, Springfield, and surrounding towns. The full-service hospital “will provide everything your pet needs, from wellness care, vaccinations, puppy and kitten care, to senior pet care.” Doctors at Prairiehaven Animal Hospital can be reached at 217-689-4960.

[Lisa Ramlow]