By Peggy Scott
SDUN Columnist
What’s better than sipping a crisp Chardonnay or mellow Merlot? Enjoying that libation and knowing you’re helping improve the lives of needy animals! On Sept. 24, a Fall Winefest, hosted by the San Diego Legal Secretaries Association will raise funds for the Friends of County Animal Shelters’ Medical Fund. This fund provides veterinary care for sick or injured cats and dogs from three county shelters, as well as for all animals in the FOCAS foster program.
This humans-only event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at The All American Grill in Mission Valley’s Hazard Center. Local vineyards are providing a variety of wines for tasting, and the All American Grill is serving complementary appetizers. Attendees can bid on a range of items in the silent auction, and purchase $1 tickets for a chance at opportunity drawing prizes. Tickets, which include one drawing, are $20 per person; $35 for a pair. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to focas-sandiego.org.
Shopping for—and with—your furry family members this month can help the visually impaired find their new best friends—and provide independence. September is National Guide Dog Month at Petco, and the chain has teamed with Natural Balance Pet Foods to raise $1 million to support guide dog organizations.
The need for these specially trained canines is larger than many might know, said Elisabeth Charles, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Petco.
“Every seven minutes someone in America becomes blind or visually impaired, (and) additionally recent statistics show that 13 percent of our military return from war with eye injuries,” she said. “These animals are a gift of independence for someone who cannot see.”
But, she pointed out, while guide dogs are given to the visually impaired for free, it costs more than $40,000 to train a guide dog team.
“For more than two years, a potential guide dog puppy learns, practices and trains for the day when it graduates as a certified guide dog,” Charles explained. “A puppy is raised with a trainer for 18 to 20 months before it is given to a guide dog school for four to six months of formal training work with a harness. For the last month, the dog is matched with a blind person and they train together at the facility.”
The public can help make this happen. Throughout September, pet parents visiting Petco or Unleashed by Petco stores can contribute at the register by either rounding up their purchase amount or making a donation of $1, $5, $10 or $20. In addition, $1 of any $25 purchase or greater of specially marked bags of Natural Balance dog food (look for Nicollette Sheridan’s picture on the label) will also go to funding guide dog training and support. Donations may also be made online at petco.com/naturalbalance through Sept. 24.
