www.insideHALTON.com |O AKVILLE BEAVER |Thursday, January 26, 2017 | 6 Spotlight by Nathan Howes Oakville Beaver Staff "Connected to your Community" Hound dogs about helping hounds who need help akville residents can expect to be `all shook up' for a good cause at the Cheweys Sounds for Hounds Dinner and Show next month. Hosted by local non-profit organization The Dog Rescuers Inc., the Sunday Feb. 19 fundraiser will boast a performance by Elvis Presley tribute artist Jay Zanier, along with a three-course dinner, vendors, photo booth, prizes and surprises. It will be held at Oakville' s St. Josephs Banquet and Conference Centre. The Dog Rescuers Inc. is a volunteer-run group that works with more than 20 provincial shelters, pounds and humane societies, and the general public, to find new homes for abused and neglected dogs. "There is so much happening (Feb. 19). It' s just going to be such a fun night," said Joan Znidarec, president and co-founder of The Dog Rescuers Inc. "The community has been great. There are so many swag items people will go home with and lots of giveaways. It' s going to be a fun-filled night." The idea for the fundraiser came from Zanier, a Guelph, Ont. resident, who contacted the Oakville group about organizing an event in memory of his dog, Chewey Zanier and his wife, Lynne, wanted to give back to dogs who "need a second chance," Znidarec said. "What a lovely way to honour their dog," said Znidarec. Cheweys Sounds for Hounds is a major fundraiser for The Dog Rescuers Inc. and will raise funds to help offset the costs of veterinary care. Although there is no specihc target set for collecting money, the organization is "always very grateful and appreciative" of whatever amount it gets, Znidarec said. As ofJan. 16, about 90 of the 250 O | submitted photo | Metroland Media At left, Elvis Presley impersonator Jay Zanier, left, and Joan Znidarec, right, president and co-founder of The Dog Rescuers Inc., prepare for the Feb. 19 Chewey's Sounds for Hounds Dinner and Show. At right, Victoria Pequegnat, holds her family dog Emma, a 16-year old Jack Russell Terrier, at the 2015 edition of the Mutts and Monsters fundraiser for The Dog Rescuers Inc. in Oakville. tickets released last week have been sold. "So far, we're off to a really good start. It' s been very well received," she said. "If we go in just offering a fun, fabulous night (to) raise money, no one is disappointed and whatever we get, we're most grateful for." Registered as a non-proht organization, The Dog Rescuers Inc. does not qualify for government grants or assistance, and relies heavily on fundraising events and the generosity of donors. While it fluctuates, The Dog Rescuers Inc. typically has around 12 foster homes, with a core of volunteers that includes a junior rescue team of youths under age 16, that are currently caring for 17 dogs, while it takes in about 120 a year. Znidarec said the organization is always looking for more foster homes and she encourages people to consider taking a dog in. "Unfortunately, we do lose some foster homes because they adopt. But, for the most part, (12) is roughly around the number we work with," said Znidarec. "We take in a lot of dogs from (Oakville and Milton Humane Society) that aren't doing well or it doesn't have the budget for. (But) we're all working together for the same goal -- finding dogs loving homes." Chewey' s Sounds for Hounds Dinner and Show takes place Sunday, Feb. 19 at the St. Joseph' s Banquet & Conference Centre, 300 River Oaks Blvd. E. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which cost $50, with discounts available for tables of 10, will be sold until Sunday, Feb. 12. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 416-567-6249, email info@thedogrescuersinc.ca or visit www.thedogrescuersinc.ca/. Those interested in fostering a dog can visit the group' s website or Facebook page (facebook.com/ thedogrescuersinc). Volume 55 | Beaver. Number LLE \ m etroland media OPC O n t a r io P re s s C o u n c il 6 Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone (416) 340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. 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