Dog lovers howl with approval over Whidbey Island’s many dog-friendly beaches, parks and trails. Many off-leash parks are maintained by volunteers with FETCH! (Free Exercise Time for Canines and Humans). As canine centric as the island is, many dogs (and cats) don’t have homes. It’s a sad situation Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (WAIF) works hard to tame. Volunteers at the minimal-kill facility do their best to take care of the health of strays while finding them loving homes.
But volunteers and thrift store purchases can only do so much to support the shelter.
WAIF’s big fundraiser, Wag-N-Walk, digs up funds to provide beds, chew toys, cat food and kibble and much more for shelter residents. This year’s Wag-N-Walk is set for Sunday, Sept. 14, from noon to 4 p.m. at Patmore Pit Off-Leash Park south of Coupeville. This colorful canine extravaganza features a Pledge Parade, WAIF Alumni King & Queen contest, demonstrations, information and activity booths, and more than 36 specialty vendors. New for this year, the All Day Adoptathon. This community outreach event is hosted by, and benefits FETCH! & WAIF. Both organizations serve all of Whidbey Island. Wag-N-Walk is sponsored by nearly 50 local businesses, located north, south and central.
It’s fun for the whole pack, with great food, and live music. Make a paw print tile for your garden. Jim Freeman and Carol Ganaway of Canine Potentials keep the event lively. Come out and celebrate responsible and loving pet ownership. Meet other community dog lovers and maybe even learn something new about canine training, nutrition, or health care. Visit www.wagnwalk.org to learn more and view lots of great pictures from last year. Admission is free, but those who raise a minimum of $35, get to join the Pledge Parade and receive a chef’s apron and a bandanna for your dog. All dogs must be leashed and remember to scoop the poop, wherever you may roam.
The cookbook, “Culinary Tails, Recipes & Whimsy from Whidbey Island” will be available for the first time at the Wag-N-Walk. Photographs submitted for the cookbook may be picked up at the festival.
WAIF offers twofers
WAIF is having a two for the price of one offer on cats and kittens during the entire month of September. Due to recent cat rescues from two homes, one of which yielded 43 cats and the other 35, the shelter is overflowing with purring kitties who are ready for new homes.
Cost for the two cats is $55. All have been spayed or neutered, tested negative for feline leukemia and are up to date on shots. Each will go home in a free cat carrier and every tenth cat adopted will be given a free collar. The $20 medical fee which is included in the price will be waived for persons over 65.
Cats and kittens available for adoption can be viewed on WAIF’s Web site, www.waifanimals.org or visited in person at the shelter on Highway 20 just south of Coupeville, Tuesday through Sunday, noon until 4 p.m.
