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Families score Browning points for animal rights
Star figure skater visits Edmonton during pet adoption drive
| Source: |
Edmonton Examiner |
| Date: |
February 26, 2009 |
| Author: |
Gina Racine |
Kurt Browning made his way to West Edmonton Mall this week to help
with the Pedigree Adoption Drive and get Edmontonians involved in
something he is very passionate about.
"I grew up on a farm in Alberta and so animals have always been a part
of my life," Browning says.
"You may think that finding a home for a couple of dogs might not rank
up there, but at the same time they are on this planet with us and all
they want to do is love us... They don't have a voice so somebody has
to be the voice for them."
Last year the adoption drive raised more than $320,000 and Browning
says he hopes this year's amount will surpass it.
This is the second year Browning has been a part of the drive.
"It's been really fun to be a part of the Pedigree Adoption Drive – to
get to go and do media (campaigns) and talk to the public, and not
talk about me," he says.
"It's a fun thing to talk about because dog lovers are so strong in
their emotions with their pets and it's been really a positive
experience."
According to Shawna Randolph, spokesperson for the Edmonton Humane
Society, the centre aims to be the first stop for those looking to
find a new addition to their family.
"There are so many times that we have people bring an animal to us
(after they) bought a dog for $900 at the pet store and they can't
afford it or they are in over their head and give it up," she
says.
"It doesn't come spayed or neutered, and in many cases they don't come
with their first vaccinations. Someone takes them home and they wonder
what they're doing.
"We have (an adoption) process that involves an interview with the
prospective owners. We're asking people questions about their
lifestyle to help them understand and think that this is really what
they want to do," she says.
Prospective owners also fill out a survey to help the society match
them with a dog.
At the Edmonton Humane Society, adopting a puppy can cost anywhere
from $85 to $275, depending on the age.
"Every puppy or dog is spayed or neutered before they leave," Randolph
says.
"(They get) their first set of vaccines included along with a
complimentary vet exam. Puppies under six months are de-wormed and all
animals are micro chipped."
"If you can't adopt, don't think that doesn't mean you can't have dogs
in your life," Browning says, recommending volunteering at your local
shelter as an alternative.
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