Orange barricades were in place and a police officer was on hand as dogs from the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center (AWC) tramped down the road Saturday to the song “Who Let the Dogs Out?” in the Challenge Carnival.
AWC is one of 49 shelters nationwide competing for $300,000 in grant awards from the ASPCA.
The mini-carnival was the kick-off for the challenge adoption review period that begins this weekend. AWC will be judged on the number of adoptions, reunions of lost pets to owners and transfers to other rescues that take place during the review period of Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 2011.
“A portion of the competition is community outreach, and AWC staff felt that holding a mini-carnival was a great way to welcome the public and highlight our local culture as part of this national competition,” said Gretchen Sherrill, shelter coordinator.
The dogs put their best paw forward and were very well-behaved. There was one brief tussle among two dogs while waiting for the tramp to begin. Around 20 dogs, all up for adoption, in all shapes, sizes and breeds, took part in the tramp.
The Animal Welfare Center in Clifton Hill looked festive, with decorations recycled from the shelter’s flea market. They had little stuffed animals, Christmas garland, swags of gossamer fabric, beads, crepe paper and multi-colored polka dots stuck everywhere. And of course, adorable puppies and kittens to ooh and aah over.
“This is a great opportunity for people to see everything that goes on here and see how active and caring the staff is,” said Liz Goggins, AWC board member. Goggins urged everyone to adopt at least one dog or cat, if not more.
As a carnival special, adoption fees were waived for qualifying approved adopters. Credit card processor ePayment America sponsored free identification microchips to the first 50 cats and dogs.
Merchants Market, Reliable Rentals and the Schjang Family provided a barbecue meal, tent and seating. Darnal A. Michael, animal care technician, was DJ.
Founded in 1973, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center promotes the humane treatment of animals in the St. Croix community through humane education, animal protection, and community service. To learn more about their programs and services visit the AWC website.
