Adding to the kitty

Local animal lovers can help kittens and puppies feel comfortable while awaiting their forever home in the SPCA shelter by catching up and chowing down.

The SPCA’s Chow for Charity fundraising dinner, on February 22, is raising funds to ensure that animals in the Renwick centre are well-trained, socialised and entertained before adoption day into their forever homes.

And through the support shown by attendees, local SPCA staff will be able to encourage more enrichment activities for their temporary residents so future animal parents will receive a happy, social and happy pet.

“In a shelter environment, they can easily miss all those sorts of things when it is most vital, so making sure they have enrichment, entertainment and education in the centre is key”, says SPCA’s Vicky Green.

“In homes, they've got lots of treats, toys and more activities to do, so funds from the night will go specifically towards their enrichment.

“It’s less stressful, more enjoyable, and provides them with more homely environment rather than a hospital - when you have bored dogs especially, they can lead to behavioural issues which we don't want when they go into homes.

“Keeping their mind and body stimulated, especially for the energetic ones we get, helps with any sort of behavioural issues so they’re more likely to find their forever home.

And as Chow for Charity gets closer, the team say that every dollar from tickets and auction items on the night will have a major impact on the lives of the animals they look after.

“It’s a big night out in Renwick all for a fantastic cause”, says Michelle.

“We’ve socially taken a back seat lately by focusing on the animal rescues, so we’re looking forward to being out and about raising for more support and the funding to do an even better job.

“Happier, engaged animals mean less stress for them and for us, and the evening is just a great reason to get people together”.

For Chow for Charity tickets, email [email protected] or [email protected]