By Staff
NILES – On Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rural King in Niles will be going to the dog – and cats – and even horses! The store, at 2702 S. 11th St., will be hosting its first "Christmas For the Animals" fund-raiser, and all local shelters and rescues are invited to participate.
Organizers and the management of Rural King have noted other large annual holiday events that benefit a combination of human service agencies, and thought such a "giving" opportunity should be extended to organizations who care for the area's unwanted animals.
Animal-oriented organizations will set up informational tables; sell t-shirts, cookbooks, pet items, etc; and even bring in adoptable pets if they wish. All of the groups will be accepting donations and taking advantage of the opportunity to talk with the public about who they are and what they do. Rural King is also planning some additional activities in the spirit of the season.
Area shelters, rescues, and organizations signed up to take part include: Animal Lovers, Berrien County Animal Control, Cass County Animal Control, Humane Society of St. Joseph County, Ind., Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, Paw-N-Purrs of South Bend, South Bend Animal Care and Control, Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Buchanan (looking for food for the horses and volunteers). Also attending will be representatives from a Mastiff rescue and a Greyhound rescue.
Berrien and Cass County Animal Control representatives will have the forms available for residents of those counties to purchase their Michigan dog licenses for 2008. They ask that anyone wanting a dog license bring proof of rabies vaccination and also proof of spay/neuter (for the reduced fee).
If you are thinking about giving a dog or cat a home for the holidays, are curious about the scope of the various animal welfare agencies and organizations in our area, want to volunteer your time, are looking for a worthwhile cause to give a gift donation to, or just want to find some unusual presents for the pet lovers on your Christmas list, stop by Rural King on Saturday.
For more information, call Bill or Martha Fenton, (269) 683-8450. Help to make the holidays happy for abused, neglected, and homeless animals in our community.