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By Sheena Roszell

Organizers thrilled with turnout for recent Animal Adoption Extravaganza

Oct 30, 2018 | 5:30 AM

Organizers of the recent Animal Adoption Extravaganza are blown away after more than 50 animals found homes and $20,000 was raised for Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue and In the Woods Animal Rescue.

“It’s way more than I ever expected,” said organizer of the event Erin Lafond. “I went into this looking to adopt out these animals, and the silent auction was just kind of a side deal to get (the rescues) some money for their vet bills.  But, the donations just kept pouring in and the community was so supportive.  It’s very overwhelming and so amazing.”

She estimates about 1,000 people attended the event and they came from all over including from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, High Level, Peace River, Red Deer, and Fort Vermilion.

At Saturday’s event, Bandaged Paws adopted out 24 animals with another six adoptions pending and, In the Woods, adopted out 27 animals the day of and some people went to the rescue for puppies the next day. 

Organizers are thrilled with the results, but Lafond says, unfortunately, the two rescues are always filling up. Most of the animals that come in are strays or abandoned and have never known the love of a human.

“These animals just come looking for love, they’re unbelievable and they just want a second chance.  They don’t even know what it’s liked to be loved, so the moment that they get that love, it’s beautiful to watch.  They’re beautiful animals.”

It’s not always just cats and dogs looking for homes. They sometimes have bunnies, ferrets, other reptiles and rodents and In the Woods even had a house chicken at one point.

She says this was supposed to be a one-time thing, but since it was such a success, they just might hold another event like this in the future.

In the meantime, if people want to learn about what animals are up for adoption they can visit either rescue’s Facebook page or website. 

by Sheena Roszell