◆ Bring your dog, or borrow one from the shelter, and walk a course to raise money for Lucky’s Place.
By Breanna Call
SVI Media
Lucky’s Place is the only animal shelter in Lincoln County. That means the facility rescues and rehomes over 350 animals a year. And this isn’t limited to dogs and cats. Mary Anne Ahrens, founder and president of the facility, says, “We’ve adopted a little miniature pig out. We’ve gotten a pony, a couple horses, and birds. I mean, you name it, it’s come in here.”
When animals are placed in the shelter, they receive a vet examination, are spayed or neutered, given any necessary vaccines, and undergo any needed surgeries or procedures. The value of this care is over $150. Ahrens is so concerned about placing animals in forever homes that her adoption fees don’t even cover these costs. When you add on supplies, food, electricity, and the water that has to be shipped in by the fire department, the cost to take care of each animal only multiplies.
So what can we as a community do to help support our local animal shelter? Of course, we can adopt animals from the shelter. But what if we aren’t in a position to care for an animal? Then, we can donate, become members, Support a Buddy, or attend fundraising events.
The Lucky’s Place website states: “Lucky’s Place operates on donations alone, so your membership is one of the most important factors to keep Lucky’s Place up and running.” For a more specific way of donating to the facility, you can sign up for Support a Buddy. In this program, you can view the list of animals that are available for adoption on the Lucky’s Place website and donate money specifically to an animal of your choosing.
This isn’t the only donation program Lucky’s offers. In fact, it has many programs in place so that you can find one that fits your lifestyle and talents. You can foster animals for a period of time; buy items on their shopping list, including cages, leashes, food, and more; or come and walk the dogs in your free time. Anything helps. To learn more about ways to donate or volunteer, go to their website at https:// www.luckys.place/.
This Saturday, August 27 at 10:00 a.m., Lucky’s Place is holding a fundraising event: the Wag & Walk. Participants can walk their dog around a two-mile course. Ahrens says, “And if they don’t have a dog, we give them a dog from the shelter.” Again, Lucky’s Place is making it possible for everyone to participate. So even if you’re not a dog owner, there will be a dog for you to walk so that you give back to Lucky’s.
The event will be held at the Star Valley RV Park at Muddy String Road in Thayne. The registration fee is $25 and includes a gift bag and a T-shirt. You can register at the RV Park or via email at info@ahasv.org. All funds will be put toward purchasing dog and cat food.
Ahrens adds, “If it weren’t for the community, believe me, the doors wouldn’t be open. People volunteering and donating, it’s just been a godsend.” Don’t miss out on donating to such a wonderful cause. See you Saturday!
