It rains stray cats and dogs all year round. And the floods continue unabated.
Many of these animals end up at the local Oakdale Animal Shelter. There, staff and volunteers work heroically to make sure the animals go to either adoption or rescue. This is a never-ending story and also requires resources to support shelters to help the animals.
Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance (OSPA) is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to save and improve the lives of homeless pets in the communities of Riverbank, Oakdale, and Escalon. This mission also includes animals coming to local shelters.
Lisa Dring has been a member of OSPA for many years and has seen the number of animals grow each year and the need for financial intervention grow as well. To that end, she is organizing a fundraiser to fill OSPA’s coffers, ensuring that OSPA is fully funded and positioned to support it for years to come.
“The need is overwhelming because the number of dogs and cats has increased so much now,” Dring said. “The money we raise goes directly to the animals. We pay veterinary bills, sponsor adoptions, fund spays and neuters, and support local adopters. We donate to rescue efforts, improve shelters, and even pay for transportation.”
All in the name of helping dogs and cats leave shelters and continue living in loving homes.
“These actions make a huge difference in outcomes for these valuable pets,” she said.
Fundraising efforts are becoming a success. The event, called Tails and Tunes, will be held on Sunday, October 20th at Dying Breed Breeding, 963 Shepard Court in Oakdale. From 1 to 5 p.m., the public can enjoy an afternoon of beer and live country rock music provided by Barbie and the Deplorables featuring local musicians. A pizza truck will serve pizza to go with beer and other drinks.
“It’s going to be a good time,” Dring said. “Enjoy an afternoon at this family- and pet-friendly event and just relax while your donations benefit animals in need.”
There will also be games and a chance to win prizes, along with live music.
“Donations are not required but appreciated. We will be accepting donations at the door and will also have raffle opportunities and fun activities,” Dring said. “We couldn’t do all of our activities without the support of the community, so we’re hoping for a big crowd. He forgave me.”
Supporting OSPA is an absolutely direct way to alleviate the suffering of homeless animals in your community. Dring hopes residents from all three communities – Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon – will join the effort on behalf of the animals.
“Having fun while raising money to help animals at the shelter is a great combination,” she said.
This article was kindly provided by OSPA member Laurie Fanjul.
