Willow Park, Weatherford event promote pet ownership

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October 4, 2012

Willow Park, Weatherford event promote pet ownership

Brian Smith CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Thu Oct 04, 2012, 08:00 AM CDT

PARKER COUNTY — Two events in Willow Park Saturday — as well as one in Weatherford all month long — will benefit pets and give people a chance to show how much they love theirs (or get a new one).

Le Chateau K-9 Spa, 5011 East I-20 Service Road, is hosting a blessing and pet food drive at their facility Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with all proceeds going toward Aledo Center of Hope’s Pet Food Pantry. Owner Jackie French said the business used to partner with Parker Paws but has opted to go work with the Center of Hope.

“We collect food year round but this is kind of a kickoff for the year-round drive,” French said. “We’re going to have something for everyone.”

Chaplain Raelynn Scott, an ordained minister, will be on hand to bless all the animals who come to make a donation for their brethren without a home. The first 100 people (or pets) who donate $10 or more in cash or pet food will receive a free St. Francis of Assisi medallion for their pet.

“We normally sell the medallions for $25,” French said. “Whatever we sell will be put right back into the donation fund for the pet food as a lot of people just make a cash donation.”

St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, is a big part of Le Chateau. French says there is a life size statuary of him on the premises for anyone wishing to take pictures on site with their pet. No photography will be provided for people with their pets.

French emphasizes that this will be a family event with hot dogs, popcorn and balloons for the families.

“You can come here, make your donation and head on over to the Parker Paws event,” French said.

Parker Paws will be hosting DogtoberFest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Fish Creek Restaurant, 4899 East I-20 Service Road. It will be a fun event with lots of activities for canines and their families. Planned activities include: pet services vendors, agility demos at 1 and 2 p.m., a doggie costume contest at 2:30 p.m., wiener dog races starting at 3 p.m. and of course dog adoptions!

The Lone Star Dog Whisperer, Susan Herbert, will be on hand to answer questions about dog behavior. Prizes will also be raffled off during the event. Proceeds from the fund raiser will benefit Parker Paws.

For information on Parker Paws, visit www.parkerpaws.org. For information on Le Chateau’s event visit www.lechateauk-9.com

Anyone wanting a new pet but unable to make Saturday’s event can stop by the Parker County/Weatherford Animal Shelter all month long. October is Adopt A Dog Month with all dog adoptions $40 throughout the month.

All fees include spay/neutering, rabies vaccination, other vaccinations as needed, a microchip and 30 days worth of pet insurance. For information on that, call 817-598-4111 or visit www.weatherfordtx.gov/animal.