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Browning campaigns to help shelter dogs
| Source: |
Winnipeg Free Press |
| Date: |
February 24, 2009 |
| Author: |
Charlene Adam |
FORMER world figure skating champion Kurt Browning glided through
Winnipeg on a tour of a different nature Monday -- he was here to
remind Winnipeggers that animal shelter dogs make great pets.
Browning is helping spread awareness about the plight of shelter dogs,
and encouraging Canadians to help thousands of these loveable mutts
find new homes.
He's the spokesman for the Pedigree Pet Adoption Drive, a campaign
that raised nearly $300,000 in 2008 for shelters across the
country.
Browning, a four-time world champion, dropped by local pet shelter,
D'Arcy's A.R.C. (Animal Rescue Centre) to spread the word.
"At one point, when it's the right time, most (Canadians) will get a
dog," he said. "When that happens, don't forget the shelters."
Browning's seems a perfect fit for this cause. Growing up on a
Caroline, Alta., farm, animals were always part of his world.
In fact, it was the family pet that actually enticed the Canadian
skating legend to take his first few steps on the ice.
"A dog forced me to play hockey," he said, recalling how, when he was
no more than three, his German Shepherd would push pucks around his
backyard rink enticing him to chase him.
Since then, he's always has a love for furry friend.
And he's now in his second year helping the Pedigree dog food company
spark Canadians' interest in shelter dogs.
Eac year, over 45,000 dogs end up in Canadian shelters. For every one
that gets adopted, at least one other gets left behind.
This year, the campaign hopes to raise $500,000.
Browning understands that a shelter dog isn't always the first choice
for many Canadians. He knows this from personal experience.
When he and his wife, Sonia Rodriguez (principal dancer for the
National Ballet of Canada), adopted their cat, they chose one from an
animal shelter. However, when they decided to get a dog, they sought
out a breeder.
Browning said had he known eight years ago what he knows now, the
couple "would have had a shelter dog."
Animal shelters aren't "jails for bad dogs," he explained. These pets
are seen by veterinarians, "have vaccinations, are spayed or neutered
...the dog comes first."
D'Arcy Johnston, the owner of D'Arcy's A.R.C, said she totally agrees
with the message Browning passed along Monday. That means the shelter
won't grant an adoption to "just anyone." The goal is to match pets
with the right family and to promote responsible pet
ownership.
Browning, one of the country's most beloved athletes of all time for
his success both nationally and on the international stage, said a
pet's love is unconditional.
"You are a superhero to your animal."
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