Despite a cloudy sky and scattered showers, dozens of dogs came out for a pawsitively perfect way to close out the season at the Grosvenor Pool in St. Albert.
“Any type of donation can help us. Monetary donations or donations of treats, beds, food and collars,” Lara Onyskiw, a volunteer with SCARS, told Global News. “A lot of the monetary donations go directly to pay for veterinary care for the animals. A lot come in needing veterinary care.”
Onyskiw said a dog named Trooper recently came into their care after being hit by a vehicle and has needed surgery in order to heal. Some of the donations from Monday’s event will go to his care.
One of the dogs at Monday’s event was five-year-old Summit, a SCARS alumnus. Her human companion, Sydney LeBlanc, said she was a Christmas gift four years ago and now she’s a part of the family.
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“She was 12 months old when they found her,” LeBlanc said. “She was found roaming around Buffalo Lake, so it looked like someone had just left her.”
LeBlanc said Summit was shy when she first came to live with them, but is now developing as quite the character. LeBlanc is thankful to those who donate to SCARS.
“If SCARS wasn’t there, Summit probably wouldn’t be here today,” LeBlanc said. “I’m sure there’s tons of dogs in those situations too.”
The 2017 dog swim raised $1,947.82 and a car full of donated food, toys and supplies.
View photos from Monday’s event in the gallery below: