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Mutts & Monsters pulling for The Dog Rescuers Inc. by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 19 | Thursday, October 20, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Don't be alarmed when you see lots of mutts and monsters at Westwood Park Saturday (Oct. 22) -- they're together for a good reason. Oakville's The Dog Rescuers Inc. will host its seventh annual Mutts & Monsters Walk-a-Thon and Tails in Town Barbecue to raise funds to offset the costs of veterinary care for rescued dogs. The Dog Rescuers Inc. is a volunteer-run, non-profit that works with more than 20 provincial shelters, pounds and humane societies, and the general public, to re-home abused and neglected dogs. "This is one of our major fundraisers, so we can carry ourselves to Christmas to provide that care for dogs in need who come into our care," said Joan Znidarec, group president and co-founder. "We also look at it as this great exposure for our rescued dogs. It's about awareness and getting those dogs exposure to the public." The fundraiser (free entry) will feature numerous familyand dog-friendly treats and activities, including the barbecue, Mutts & Monsters Walk-a-Thon, which people can collect pledges for, pumpkin and plant sale, $5 canine nail trims, swag bags, dog demonstrations and more. The Oakville Fire Department will have one of its trucks for photos. "We have a section for kids, where they can do Halloween crafts and things with dogs. It's become a little bit more familyfriendly over the years," said Znidarec. "People can also meet the various dogs up for adoption. Somebody may come out just to have a grilled-cheese sandwich, go into the tent, fall in love and adopt a new family member." The event added the walk-athon three years ago, Znidarec said, noting it's similar to a monster scavenger hunt. "We have monsters at various locations. Once you Golden retrievers Harry, left, and Georgia are dressed as superheroes. |Dog Rescuers photo cross that monster and meet him, he's going to stamp your hand. When you come back, for all the monsters you've met, you get prizes, according to who you met," said Znidarec. The popularity of the fundraiser grows annually. Znidarec said it attracts 250300 people. "A lot of people who come out, this is where they get their yearly pumpkins for Halloween. They've made it part of their tradition." The Dog Rescuers Inc. president said people can bring their pets and children. "It has such a nice community feel. Everybody is showing off their pets, some dress them up in costumes, some don't. It's an opportunity to show off your own dog and meet other dogs. It's (about) the camaraderie of dog lovers," said Znidarec. The Oakville group does not receive government grants or assistance and relies on charitable events and donors. While a small percentage of funds from Saturday's event may go towards "filling gaps" on donated food, Znidarec said, most proceeds will go directly to caring for dogs. She noted it will care for senior canines and those with medical issues, which many rescue organizations won't do. "We don't have a shelter. We run on foster homes. It's just kind people in Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga who have opened up their hearts and homes to have dogs. We don't have overhead costs in that sense," said Znidarec. At any given time, The Dog Rescuers Inc. has 12 foster homes, with a core of volunteers that includes a junior rescue team of youths under age 16, that take in more than 120 dogs a year. "We're very lucky with the volunteers we have. We have people with big hearts and we're blessed to have them. These are folks willing to change their plans or drop what they're doing to go and help a dog in need," said Znidarec, noting she cofounded the group in 2009 with Mano Krueger. Znidarec said the organization is always looking for more foster homes and she encourages people to consider taking a dog in. "Our vice-president, Vanessa Lupton, puts heart and soul into working with our foster families. It's a great experience. The reward is that you've not only saved a life, you've had a great impact on a family who now adds that dog into theirs." The fundraiser is at Westwood Park, 170 Wilson St. Walk registration is at 11 a.m. with a noon start time, while the barbecue and Tails in Town running from noon to 3 p.m. Pledge forms for the walk are available to download at www.thedogrescuersinc.ca or can be requested by email at info@thedogrescuersinc.ca. Those interested in fostering a dog can visit the website or Facebook page (facebook. com/thedogrescuersinc). I didn't expect it to feel like home. Feeling at home means enjoying the things you like to do. Which is why at Amica, you can always enjoy your day the way you like to ­ read your book in a quiet corner or enjoy a snack when you want to. You can expect an all-inclusive community that is personalized to you with a range of first-class amenities and services in each of our neighbourhoods: Independent Living · Assisted Living Let us treat you to lunch. Call or book a visit online at amica.ca at Oakville amica.ca Amica at Oakville 160 Bronte Road Oakville, ON 905-842-8167