Richard Froese

For the Lakeside Leader

The Big Lakes County Animal-Care Facility Society will be supported at the second annual Pound Partnership Fundraiser on Sept. 14. It takes place at the Shady Orchard and Winery, east of High Prairie, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The fundraiser was started last year by Jessica Gordon, to promote and support the county’s animal care service. She says she was inspired to do it another time, “as it was a great success last year, and hope it thrives even more through the coming years,” Gordon says.

Although the facility officially opened in 2020, the county established the society just late last year, to better promote it, raising funds and awareness.

Gordon is the daughter of Shady Orchard owners William and Kristie Gordon. She says besides the fundraising, “we are also accepting a variety of items, including bagged dog and cat food, puppy pads, kitty litter and other items. Any donation is appreciated.”

Admission to the event is $20 for a family or group, or a donation of dog or cat items.

Laura Rutherford will be painting faces for a $2 fee. Other activities and games are being planned – with prizes!

The main activity will be photos in a sunflower field, by Angelique Tisserand Photography.

Monetary donations can be done by e-transfer to Big Lakes, at biglakesacfs@gmail.com, with a message to indicate it is a donation for the animal care facility.

Gordon hopes the event will raise more money and collect more items than last year’s did. She’s also hoping adoptions might pick up.

“These dogs were never given a chance of luxury,” she says, “but with the amazing staff and the society, (they) are given just enough love to feel they can get a second chance in life.”

The event is pet-friendly, and all dogs must be on a leash.

For more information, contact Gordon by phone at 780-523-8345, or email at j.gordon8118@gmail.com.