By Peggy Scott
SDUN Columnist
All paws on deck! Seafaring pooches and their people can enjoy a cruise together and help needy animals at the same time May 15 at the Pet Rescue Day on the Bay: Ten and a Towel, presented by Hornblower Cruises & Events. This is the 10th anniversary of the annual seadog soiree, which benefits the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Those donating a new or gently used blanket or towel can purchase a $10 ticket good for a one-hour harbor cruise—and their furry first mate can come along for free.
Pet Rescue Day on the Bay is the “pet project” of Hornblower (San Diego) marketing director Rebecca Milkey. It started as a part of the Port of San Diego’s “Big Bay Days,” when organizers asked Embarcadero businesses to come up with ideas for promotional events.
Milkey, a longtime pet lover and animal welfare volunteer, knew firsthand of shelters’ ongoing need for creature comforts like blankets, and realized a fun day on the bay benefiting animal rescue was a win-win situation.
“Last year, we filled four large Econovans with items,” Milkey said. “We don’t count in terms of towels and blankets. We count by numbers of vans we fill. Six cruises went out last year.”
This year, three cruises – at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. – will be available for donors and their dogs. The addition of a $10 fee will help the Helen Woodward Animal Center with a much-needed complete facility rebuild. The cost for a regular one-hour cruise is $20, so Pet Day participants are still getting a deal. And they’re helping needy animals.
“When heavy rains forced Helen Woodward to evacuate orphaned dogs and cats from their kennels, the donated blankets and towels gave them comfort,” explained John Van Zante, spokesman for Helen Woodward Animal Center.
Donated items will be collected from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 15 at the Hornblower Cruises & Events ticket booth, 1066 North Harbor Drive, at the San Diego Embarcadero.
Participating dogs must be on a leash and can cruise free only on May 15. The $10 cruise tickets (for humans) can be used May 15 or any time during 2010.
For more information about Hornblower Cruises & Events and Pet Rescue Day on the Bay, call 686-8700 or click here.
