Walking to help animals

SCANABA - Saturday's Delta Area Animal Shelter (DAAS) Dog Walkathon was a tail-wagging good time, as dogs and their owners raised money through pledges in support of the local animal shelter. The event, according to Penny Rounce, DAAS, was a success.

"We had 36 dogs walking to raise funds for the shelter, and 29 dog walkers," said Rounce. "All together, we raised more than $3,000," she added.

The funds from the event will be used to help support such DAAS programs as the Cinderella Vet Fund, Dog Training Rebate Program, Senior Pet Program, Spay/Neuter Program, Joseph Heller Memorial Scholarship at Bay College (for students whose academic focus is on animal-related studies) and Kids' Day at the Animal Shelter (designed to educate children about the value and needs of shelter animals).

In addition to these programs, a portion of the funds will be applied to the Shelter Assistance Program, which provides for basic necessities at the shelter.

Top fund-raisers at the event were Ron Piippo in the adult category, and Brett Baumler in the 14-and-under children's category.

Participating in the walkathon were more than a few former shelter dogs, whose owners wanted to give back to the shelter that cared for their new "best friend" prior to adoption.

One such person was Linda Sovey, who adopted her dog, Shelby, from DAAS more than two years ago. It was Shelby's final day in the shelter, and she was scheduled to be euthenized that day. When she learned of the dog's fate, Sovey stepped in and adopted the dog, who had been at the shelter for so long that she had gone "cage crazy."

"She was beginning to snap, and she had bald spots where she had been biting her own hair out," recalled Sovey. "It took her a little while to get to this point," she said, petting the four-pawed pal who never leaves her side, "but she is happy now that she has a real home, and I just love her."

Sovey said she knew Shelby was special when DAAS Director Becky VanDamme called to check on her following the adoption.

Another participant in the event was Jackie Potter, who didn't walk her purebred miniature poodle, but instead supplied free face-painting services for youth and adults throughout the morning.

Potter's dog, Dixie Cup, was rescued from an area puppy mill 1 years ago, just prior to the forced closing of the place. Today, according to Potter, she and Dixie are inseparable.

"We even look alike," laughed Potter, matching her white hair up to Dixie's.

Lighthearted laughs were shared, many miles were walked and the money earned on behalf of the shelter is tremendously appreciated. Still, the shelter remains at capacity, housing both dogs and cats with hope that all will be adopted. Individuals interested in viewing the shelter's current residents may visit either the Web site, www.deltaanimal.org, or stop in at the shelter, 6685 N. 75 Drive, Wells (one block behind 41 Lumber) or call 789-0230.