Pike Animal Shelter’s Fur Fest held today

Published 12:00 am Saturday, November 14, 2009

“Clean up your pooches, brush off your cats, wipe off your guinea pigs, spruce up your rats — the Fur Fest Frenzy has begun.”

Or, at least is will soon.

Beginning at 9:45 a.m. today, the Pike Animal Shelter’s annual Fur Fest “frenzy,” as the shelter’s adoptions and programs chair Su Green put it, will kick off.

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And, the fun will last until 2:20 p.m.

“It is going to be a gorgeous day with BBQ, live bands, entertainment and companion animals,” said Donna Schubert, chair of the founders society. “It’s the best entertainment for $3 you’ll ever find.”

This is the third year of Fur Fest, the group’s largest fundraising effort in hopes of building a shelter in the city of Troy to accommodate both cats and dogs. And, it also promises to be the biggest yet.

The day will begin at 9:45 a.m. with a blessing of the animals and special recognitions. At 10 a.m. the SheBang! Clog dancers will entertain the crowds, until the shelter dogs are debuted 20 minutes later.

The “Beauties and the Beasts” will be when local beauty queens parade the shelter dogs one by one to show them off to their potential new families.

After that, dogs will be available for adoption.

Green said it’s important residents know that only dogs from the shelter are eligible for adoption at the event, and others can not bring dogs in hopes of finding them a new home.

For anyone looking for a new companion animal, though, it is certain they can find one at Fur Fest, Green said.

“We have puppies, adults, big dogs, little dogs,” Green said.

All pets for adoption have also been given a bordetalla vaccination, funded by a grant from petfinder.com.

Adopters also have to sign a spay and neuter agreement for any dog adopted from the shelter, Schubert said.

During the shelter event, pets are welcome as long as they have proof of current vaccinations and are on a leash.

From pets to people, Schubert said there will be plenty for all to enjoy.

Entertainment will be provided by local bands Johnny Barron Band, J. Harvey Johnson, Erica Franklin and The Park Band, live music will be played throughout the day.

In addition, there will be games for dogs, like rover races, bone mountain and pet contests.

Children will even have face painting, coloring activities and plenty more things to get their paws in.

The event will take place at the Troy Recreation Center. Admission is $3 per person or $5 per car.

All proceeds from food vendors and admission charges will go directly to the shelter.

“Every dollar goes back into the program,” Schubert said.

“I think that’s very meaningful.”