Labradors, weimaraners and those of mixed descent, also known as mutts, walked with owners in the warm sun at the on Saturday, all in an effort to raise money for the Golden Belt Humane Society at the first annual “Get off your butts and walk your mutts” fundraiser.
All of the proceeds went to support the GBHS.
It was a spur of the moment fund raising idea that the coordinator, RaShann Southard, hopes to make an annual event.
“We’ve had a lot of donations which is awesome for GBHS,” she said. “We hope to do this yearly.”
Love of the four-footed variety seems to be the motivating factor for all of those involved.
Bobby King, president of the board of directors of GBHS, said, “It’s expensive,” to run the humane society. They are always willing to take donations of food or money.
The oddest non-human ever saved at the society was an iguana, but the society also picks up stray cats, pigs or whatever happens to be running loose in order to keep the animal from getting run over or starving.
GBHS has developed a Facebook page of pets available for adoption, which is always the goal. They are also pictures of local animals on Petfinder.
Interestingly, both King and Southard said pets seem to know when they are rescued and appreciate it.
Seth Orebaugh who is also the area’s Animal Control Officer was also present.
“It’s a very thankless tough job,” said King. “It’s not fun to pick up dogs.” However, it will keep the animal safe.
In addition to her work in Great Bend, Southard is part of a national rescue network that will transport dogs from state to state in order to save as many animals as possible. “There are volunteers all over the U.S.,” she said.
For more information or make a donation, contact Southard by calling 620-792-4663.