The Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance will be hosting its Fourth Annual Garden Party to benefit the Oakdale Animal Shelter on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
With a stated purpose to save and improve the lives of homeless pets, the OSPA will offer a variety of beer, wine, brats, live music and a silent auction at this year’s event, which has been christened Barktoberfest. According to the group’s president, Betsie Corwin, the money raised at this annual event will be used for health supplies, veterinary expenses, shelter improvement projects and the spay/neuter voucher program. Music will be provided by Acoustic Flash and among the items offered in the silent auction are a rafting trip, a day of golf, wine, art work, a culinary class at the Columbia College and more.
The OSPA, which is an all volunteer, non-profit organization, assists the Oakdale Animal Shelter by promoting adoptions and ensuring humane housing conditions and proper care for homeless pets.
“In the end, the real test of our humanity may be the way we treat non-human others with which we share our planet and homes” stated national spokesperson Barbara Ehrenreich.
Corwin said the local organization, which was founded in 2004, has a continuing need for bath towels, blankets and newspaper which are used to make the cat and dog cages and kennels more pleasant for those animals awaiting adoption. These items can be dropped off at the shelter at 9800 Liberini Ave. in Oakdale or at the Ace Hardware at 1010 East F St.
Upcoming projects at the shelter will be unveiled at Barktoberfest. Corwin boasted that new dog kennels were installed in the Fall of 2011 and 2010 saw the introduction of a dog exercise yard at the shelter with an “off the leash” area. She also pointed to the success of the Spay/Neuter Voucher Program which was launched in August, 2011. Since its inception, over 150 dogs and cats have been fixed which ultimately aids in lessening the number of homeless and feral animals.
Barktoberfest has set a goal of exceeding last year’s tally of $20,000. Donations in any amount will be accepted at the door. The benefit will be held at 10610 Gibbs Drive in Oakdale. To RSVP or to get additional information, interested parties are directed to call Betsie at 209-543-5434, go to the group’s website (www.oakdaleshelterpetalliance.org) or to send an email to efcorwin@sbcglobal.net.
On Saturday, Nov. 3, OSPA will sponsor a booth in the Knights Ferry Recreational Area at the Salmon Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to come and see the booth, enjoy the live music and observe the salmon obstacle course.
