Polson Animal Shelter announces Doggy Dash 2010

POLSON — The Mission Valley Animal Shelter has announced that its Doggy Dash 2010 will be held this year on Saturday, September 11, at the Travis Dolphin Dog Park in Polson, rain or shine. Sponsor of the event is Community Banks-Montana.

According to Shelter vice-president Sharon Hawke, "This event has become very popular so come discover what a fun time we have with our canine companions. We hope even more people will come this year. Even if you don't have a dog, you can still participate - walk by yourself, bring a friend or ask to walk a Shelter dog."

The Doggy Dash 2010 kicks off with registration at 8:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 9. Participants are encouraged to enlist sponsors for their walk to raise money for the animal shelter. Prizes will be awarded to the top adult and top junior (14 years and under) walkers based upon the amount of money raised. Each participant who collects $25 or more will get a free "Doggy Dash" T-shirt. Bandanas will be available for all canine "dashers."

Contests for all participants will begin at 10:30 a.m. Categories this year include owner/pet look-a-like, worst behaved dog, best trick, best kisser, and best singer/howler." Hawke stated, "Get you and your dogs ready to participate - it is always a blast."

"This is the Shelter's major annual fundraising event so it is very important that we have a good turn-out with everyone raising money to help our shelter. All proceeds directly benefit the animals. These past few years have been tough for all nonprofits, including us, as donations and revenues have decreased significantly while operating costs continue to increase," Hawke said. "With the worsening economy, donations the past several years have continued to decline significantly so we must rely heavily on this fundraiser to help the animal shelter fund its operations. Please ask your friends, relatives, neighbors, businesses, even strangers, if necessary, to help by sponsoring you and your dog," Hawke added.

Registration/pledge sheets may be obtained at Seconds 2 Go (next to McDonald's) in Polson, at Wright Real Estate in Ronan or by calling the Shelter at 883-5312. "If that is not convenient, just go out and collect the money and bring it to the event without the pledge sheet," said Hawke. All money is due the day of the Doggy Dash.

Mission Valley Animal Shelter is one of only four privately-funded animal shelters for dogs and cats in Montana. It has been in continuous operation since 1992. Its annual budget is approximately $186,000, all of which must be raised through donations, fundraising events and operations, since it receives no governmental funding of any kind. MVAS also operates a thrift store, Seconds 2 Go, in Polson to provide funds for its animal shelter operations.