Inaugural ‘Smooches for Pooches’ is a success
RUSSELLVILLE — Second Chance Canine Advocates hosted “Smooches for Pooches,” a Valentine’s-themed pet photo fundraiser on Feb. 7 at the Ralph C. Bishop Community Center.
The nonprofit group focuses on community awareness and education, as well as efforts to improve canine health and welfare and promote safety for both dogs and the community.
Community members brought their pets, posed for photos, and visited with volunteers during the event.
Kyra Britton said the group wanted to create a simple way for community members to connect with its work. Britton said the group focuses on animal welfare and encourages people to get involved.
“What we are trying to do is raise awareness of the issues, the stray dogs and animal welfare in our area,” Britton said. “You just have to start somewhere. You’ve got to start with something small.”
Second Chance Canine Advocates works with volunteers and partner groups to help dogs in need, including coordinating fosters and helping connect animals with rescues.
Volunteers also shared a sign-up sheet seeking community members willing to foster dogs, help with transport for spay and neuter appointments and assist with fundraising, outreach and other efforts.
Joy Dickey said fundraisers like “Smooches for Pooches” help cover practical needs. She added the group also wants to turn online concern into real support.
“We do see that people are very quick on social media about the issues, the problems, the needs of the community, and then you get a good dialogue going, but it doesn’t go anywhere,” she said.
Kristen Slone said the group also wants to see clearer options available when people are not sure what to do.
“If we had better facilities for stray dogs or loose dogs and a place where we could hold them temporarily, maybe people would stop feeling like they don’t have any options,” Slone said.
Want to get involved?
Second Chance Canine Advocates is seeking community members willing to help in several ways, including:
• Fostering dogs, by temporarily caring for them in their homes until they can be placed with a rescue or adoptive family;
• Serving as a foster assistant to help support foster caregivers;
• Helping with education and community awareness;
• Donating or assisting with fundraising;
• Helping with transport, including pick-up and drop-off for spay and neuter appointments.
Anyone interested can sendanemailtoSCCAK9@gmail.com or through the organization’s Facebook group listed under Second Chance Canine Advocates.
