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noted that there are many non-chemical alterna- tive health care options available. “We want dogs to remain healthy and happy for a long time,” she added. Back at Portable 1, Asling is interviewing someone who wishes to adopt a dog. Set up like a classroom, there’s a lesson on one blackboard for obedience training. There is a large lidded contain- er of dog treats amidst the papers on her desk. “This has been a big day”, Asling says, “Five adoptions in one day.” Luca, the blind gentle giant of a Doberman who has been at TAGS for four years, comes in from the sun for a bow! of cool water and a hand- ful of treats. Asling said it’s hard to believe that 25 years has gone by since that fateful day that she stopped traffic on the busy Simcoe St. North in Oshawa to rescue a wandering puppy. An article in the news- paper failed to turn up the owners of this cute spaniel mix, but over 200 people called wanting to adopt the little lost dog. “The response was amazing,” Asling recalled. She recognized the need for an agency to con- nect people and dogs, and TAGS was born. Her daughter Tara, aged 10 at the time, came up with TAGS, the acronym for The Animal Guardian Society. Aslings’ children Sean and Tara, enjoyed grow- ing up with lots of dogs, but sometimes it got too much, when one of them would call out, “Mom, there’s a dog in my bed again!” Like her real family, Kathy’s extended family of volunteers “love animals and are very commit- ted.” “It’s a grassroots organization.,” Asling de- scribed. Enter the hound sisters, Biscotti and Allie Dawn, brought into the portable for a visit. Au- rora’s love of animals shines brightly as she gives them hugs and tummy rubs. Well trained and friendly, Biscotti and Allie Dawn (who are not real sisters, just best friends) are both up for adoption. While cute puppies are easy to find homes for, it’s often a challenge with older dogs. That’s why TAGS has a new project called Seniors Foster- ing Seniors. Senior citizens are matched up with senior dogs and TAGS pays the food and medical expenses. Asling explained, “This way, seniors who may be lonely and may not be able to afford a pet, are able to share their home with a dog who is also in need of companionship.” TAGS’ goal is to find the perfect homes for dogs of all ages and breeds. “But wouldn't it be nice if we didn’t need res- cue services?” Asling asks. By Lynn Campbell ‘ocus on Scugog 10.FOCUS, OCTOBER. 40 pages.indd 29 Tour dé Perry Port Perry United Way held its 5th annual BBQ and Tour dé Perry Trike Race on September 7th in front of the Scugog Township ‘Municipal office. A number of local businesses and organizations were on hand to race for the coveted Tour dé Perry Trophy, enjoy a hamburger, refresh- ments and learn about the local United Way. Below, Rachel Goreski makes her way to the finish line. Photo courtesy Kenna Kozak FOCUS - OCTOBER 2012 29 12-09-24 9:14AM