Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 8, 1995 TAG: 9509080055
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KEN SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
You can meet them (and some interesting humans) Saturday, when the Humane Society sponsors its second "Take a Dog to Dinner" annual picnic.
At the picnic, you'll meet Shaver, a 6-year-old neutered male Border Collie mix, who is filled with energy and loves to run.
You'll meet Nikki, a 2-year-old spayed hound mix, who is very sweet and loves people.
There will be Sophie, a 2-year-old spayed Red Tic hound mix. She's a real party girl.
And there will be Smokey, a 2-year-old neutered male German Shepherd mix, who is friendly and not afraid of making a commitment.
Other dogs will be on hand, too.
Most of the animals who will participate in the picnic are long-time residents of the Humane Society's shelter. The Humane Society does not euthanize its animals; some live at its facility just off Virginia 8 in Christiansburg near Interstate 81 for months before they are adopted.
The shelter's residents are accepted on a pre-approved basis. No space is immediately available for new animals. Instead, new animals are placed in foster care, and volunteer foster families are always needed.
The picnic, which drew about 40 people last year, is a way of spreading the word about the society's efforts, said shelter manager Connie Ratner. The Humane Society receives no government funding, relying instead on contributions and its own fund raising.
"We're inviting people to come out to the park and share a meal together and talk about ways to help these animals," Ratner said.
The picnic is also a way to say thanks to the society's volunteers, without whom the organization would not be able to continue its efforts.
"It's really a way to have fun and thank the people who work hard all year who don't get any praise," said Sara Veasey, the society's secretary.
The picnic also will be a chance to try to recruit new volunteers.
"We're always interested in getting new volunteers and in getting the word out," Veasey said.
In an effort to publicize its efforts, the society has recently unveiled new locally designed bumper stickers.
Humane Society volunteers perform tasks ranging from fund raising to taking animals for walks to providing foster care. Only a few shelter workers are paid.
The shelter always needs kitty litter, dog and cat food, bleach, paper towels, soap, garbage bags, washable bath mats, blankets and towels.
The society's Second Time Around shop in Gables Shopping Center in Blacksburg is a funding source for the organization. The store, open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., has household and sporting goods for sale, and will pick up large items for donation.
Saturday's picnic begins at 4 p.m. at Blacksburg's Caboose Park on Turner Street. The Humane Society will supply sodas, ice, plates, cups and utensils. Participants are asked to bring something to grill and a covered dish to share. They are asked not to bring their own dogs.
Also on tap for the society is a raffle on Nov. 4. Tickets are $1 or six for $5. Prizes are a handmade rocking chair, dinner for four at the Homeplace and a handmade quilt.
The shelter's hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m.
For more information, call Veasey at 382-6498 or Ratner at the shelter at 382-1166.
by CNB