“Doggie Fun in the Sun Day”

A planned event in Belton will celebrate the dog days of summer and raise funding for a worthy cause, the Anderson County Animal Shelter.  “Doggie Fun in the Sun Day” will be held on Saturday, August 25, from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Leda Poore Park in Belton, SC (Hwy. 20 - 2 miles out of Belton towards Williamston).  The public and their dogs are invited to attend.

“This event will feature games and crafts, health and training seminars, adopt-a-pet, microchip implant, grooming techniques, raffles, exhibitions, hotdog sale, and more,” said one of the organizers, Alison Darby.

“We just wanted to help the animals,” stated her daughter Sloane Darby and nephew Andrew Darby.  “That’s why we organized this event.  All our friends wanted to help too, so we got them together to put on this community event.  Anyone who comes will have lots of fun.”

On tap are exhibitions of specialty dogs.  The Anderson City Police Department K-9 Unit and other Anderson County law enforcement groups will show off the talents of their dogs in a search and rescue demonstration at 9:30 AM.  An AKC Champion Rottweiler of Farmore’z Kennels will demonstrate her cart pulling ability and even offer rides to a lucky handful who purchase the first tickets.  Companion Dogs will be featured also.

Anyone who would like to take a pet home with them may buy a shelter dog or puppy from the Animal Shelter Adopt-a-Van.  Adoption prices range from $40 - $55, with some dogs spayed or neutered, and all having had necessary shots.  For a $30 fee which includes national registration, the shelter is also offering microchip implants for pets. 

Seminars include American Red Cross representative Callie Cable presenting an introductory pet first aid class (9:00 AM) and the Magnolias Vet Clinic presenting a seminar on pet health issues (10:00 AM). Nationally acclaimed author and dog whisperer Duff Lueder will be on hand to help owners alleviate pet hang-ups by explaining how a dog thinks and demonstrating his training techniques at 11:00 AM. 

A “Mutt Market” will offer dog-themed items for sale and hotdog plates will be served from 11:00 until closing for $5 per plate (drink, 2 hotdogs, chips). 

“Dog owners and their pets can also have pictures made with their companions, create a doggie-themed picture frame, buy a chance at raffled pet-related products, play Musical Blocks, enter the doggy costume contest and win prizes,”  stated organizers.

Sponsors of the event include the City of Belton Recreation Department, Target, PetSmart and PetsHotel, American Red Cross, Kninepal, Farmore’z Kennels, Honea Path Animal Hospital, Bi-Lo, Tammy’s Pet Shack, J and K Groomers, Anderson City Police K-9 Unit, Darby Metalworks, Inc., BarkBusters, USA, and Bart Boatwright Photography. 

Michelle Dodd, Director of the Anderson County Animal Shelter, said the need is great for extra funding.  “Unfortunately, there never is enough money to keep the animals which come to our shelter supplied with food, bedding, vet care, and medication. With budget cuts, we just can’t exist without outside funding.”

So Dodd was excited that community members wanted to organize a fun way to raise money for her organization.  “When people go to such great lengths to help raise money for our animals, we are heartened by their efforts.  We are truly looking forward to this event.” 

For more information, contact Sloane or Andrew Darby at memoryln@charter.net or 958-5264 or Michelle Dodd at the Shelter 260-4151.