The ARK Domestic Violence Shelter and The Corinne T. Smith Animal Center will co-sponsor a fundraiser to take care of animals brought into the ARK by victims of domestic violence on Saturday, August 22. Currently, The ARK does accept pets.  They have an agreement with the Brown County Humane Society dba Corinne T. Smith Animal Center and a partnership with Dr. David Guitar, D.V.M. for oversight and help to make sure the animals get the care they need while staying in the shelter.

When domestic violence victims with pets consider fleeing abusive homes and there is no safe place to house their pets, they have little choice but to either remain in their homes and subject themselves, their children and their pets to continued violence or to flee and leave their pets behind. Because victims understand the extent of the harm that their abusers will likely inflict upon their pets, if left behind, many victims remain in violent relationships.

Tails on the Trail will feature a one mile walk for dogs and their owners. The registration fee is $20 per pet, and $5 for each additional pet.  Purple bandanas will be given to each participating pet along with a doggie bag with treats provided by Ag-Mart (as supplies last).  Owners are encouraged to dress up their pet and a prize will be given to the best dressed pet.  Prizes will also be awarded to the best behaved dog, the biggest dog, the littlest dog, the funniest looking dog, the dog with the best tricks and the dog that looks most like its owner.  They will also give away 4 day passes (rentals included plus lunch for 4) to BSR Cable Park in Waco, valued at $180.00, as a door prize.

The ARK will be grilling hamburgers and hotdogs at the park, and each participant with pet will get their choice of a hamburger or hotdog, with a drink and chips.  Additional meals will be $5 each. Anyone can stop by and purchase a meal and support The ARK’s Pet Program.  Registration for Tails on the Trails is open now, and registration forms may be pickedup at any area veterinarian’s office, the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center, or by calling the ARK at 643-2699 to have a registration form sent via email.  Registration will also be available on the day of the event at the park.

For those who don’t have a dog, but would like one, the Corinne T. Smith Animal Shelter will be bringing some dogs to the park for adoption.

The proceeds of the event will be used to care for the animals at The ARK.  Currently, thanks to a grant from The Red Rover Foundation, dog kennels and a cat kennel are being constructed to give the animals protection and care, while keeping residents of the shelter safe.  The money raised will go toward providing vaccinations, vet visits, food, and accessories.

For more information about the Tails on the Trail Fundraiser or to sign up, contact The ARK at 325-643-2699 and ask for Mary Silver or visit www.arkshelter.org.

Pictured above:   Daisy Mae models her purple bandana for the Tails on the Trail fundraiser.