The dog days of summer made a brief comeback of sorts this past Saturday; the temperature was an unseasonably warm 82 degrees, and the parking lot at Advance America on 10th St. was filled with dogs and dog lovers.
The Hands of Hope Rescue group was there for Barktober. Members raised money for their non-profit organization and tried to find foster homes or forever homes for several animals.
“We had quite a few adoptions this week,” said Hands of Hope President RaShann Southard, Great Bend. But the group can always use more volunteers to foster dogs. Donations for expenses are also always needed, she said.
Hands of Hope is a licensed, non-profit 501c3 canine rescue organization dedicated to helping save the lives of dogs in desperate situations such as being in high kill shelters and owner surrenders from Kansas and surrounding states.
Volunteers Terri Hertel from Hays and Kaylee Elmore from Downs were tending to two available dogs, CeeCee and Freckles. Hertel was trying to teach Freckles to “shake hands.” The dog hadn’t been worked with much but did know the “sit” command, and appeared willing to learn more, Hertel said. “She’s a sweetie.”
Stephanie Vohs from Plainville was holding a chiweenie puppy named Lenny. As the name implies, this was not a purebred dog but a cross between a chihuahua and a dachshund. Lenny was recently rescued from a sub-par shelter in Oklahoma, Southard said. That dog has already been adopted, but more dogs are available, she added.
At Barktober, people were invited to meet some available dogs or bring their own to the obstacle/agility course course. There was also a doggie costume contest, photo booth and Pooch Smooch, where people paid $1 to receive a canine kiss.
There were items for sale, as well as a prize drawing, and visitors could purchase a pulled pork lunch.
Learn more about Hands of Hope Rescue online at www.handsofhoperescue.com or follow the organization on Facebook or Instagram.