Pet Lovers Support Shelter Dogs
Patty Frasier said it simply: “I could not live without a dog.”
“They are your best friend, they are always there for you. They give you love, understanding, compassion,” she said.
Specifically, Fraser can’t live without Petunia and the two other dogs she saved.
“When I was cleaning out the cages at the shelter in Iowa, I saw this little dog all rolled up in a ball and very depressed. I walked here and that was the end of that. Got her right away,” Fraser said.
Animal Samaritans’ 12th Annual “Walk For the Animals” raised money for dogs like Petunia — animals that can’t help themselves.
“It’s benefiting our humane education program and of course our shelter animals,” Animal Samaritans’ Tom Snyder said.
About 500 people showed up with their favorite friends.
“It is a fundraiser, we don’t charge anybody, but we rely on pledge money and donations and raffles,” Snyder added.
As pet owners paraded around with their pups, valley shelters showcased some of their dogs up for adoption.
“The shelters need us. They are so overloaded there’s no reason not to go get a dog from a shelter,” Fraser said.
While this walk has lovers of all kinds of animals, people said there’s nothing like a shelter dog.
“They are the best. They never forget where they came from. They never forget that you got them and rescued them,” Fraser said.
“He jumped my six foot fence to follow me the first time I had him. I had a 1000 pound rope trying to hold him – snapped it in two seconds. He was on a cable, (a) 2000 pound test, snapped it. He wanted to be with me. He’s faithful,” Clint Gulledge said of his dog.
Just like these owners — creating a solid relationship.
“A lot of them are walking for the love of their own pets. We had an animal blessing here and they really emphasize be grateful for your pets and the joy they bring to your life,” Snyder said.
“It makes people realize how many wonderful animals are out there. I don’t think people have a clue that all these animals are being left,” Fraser noted.
So next time you’re looking for a new pal — remember the dogs looking for a good home. You might walk away wondering who rescued who.
