Save a Life: Support Bark in the Park
Want to see the most important source of support for the Tri-Lakes Humane Society? Take a look in the mirror.
On any given day, the shelter in Saranac Lake houses as many as 34 dogs and cats. “We provide services for 11 different towns and villages in the region,” said Victoria Tanner, the humane society’s shelter director. “We are the place for these animals to go.”
And while those contracts with local governments cover a portion of the non-profit’s annual costs, 80 percent of its annual budget comes from donations and grants.
That makes the upcoming Bark in the Park event especially important: As one of the group’s biggest annual fundraisers, Tanner—not to mention all the critters in her care—are counting on a big turnout.
The annual event will be held at Tupper Lake Municipal Park on Sunday, Sept. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. In addition to live music by Night School from noon-3 p.m. and beer and wine for the over-21 crowd, the event will feature food trucks; a raffle; pet nail trims, ear cleanings, and pamper stations; a swap tent for unopened pet food and gently used toys; and more.
Tickets are one for $15, and two for $20. The first 100 people to register will receive a custom tote bag with goodies inside. In addition, pet microchipping will be available from 1:30-2:30 p.m. for a $10 fee, and a free rabies clinic will be offered from noon-2 p.m. (To attend the rabies clinic, you must pre-register before the event with the Franklin County Public Health Department at 518-891-4471.) Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union is once again one of the main sponsors of the event, along with One Group, Long Run Wealth Advisors and Martin and Dukett.
In addition to providing shelter and dog control services to communities from Long Lake to Saranac, Tanner says the humane society also takes in strays from smaller North Country shelters that don’t have space.
As a no-kill shelter, the Tri-Lakes Humane Society cares for all the animals it takes in until they’re adopted. The money raised through events like Bark in the Park go toward expenses such as veterinary care, pet food, shelter upkeep and spay/neuter vouchers the shelter distributes to area residents who are low-income or in college or active military service.
Tanner, who moved to the region and started her job earlier this year, says she wasn’t expecting her small shelter to be quite as busy as it is—but, then again, it serves a vast area. I’m surprised at how many animals need help,” she says. “I didn’t think that this many animals would come through the door.”
Every one, though, gets potentially life-saving—and life-changing—care. When the animals arrive, they’re often malnourished and afraid; by the time they leave, they’re almost completely different. “Gaining their trust is the most rewarding thing.”
To register for the event (without attending the rabies clinic), call 518-891-0017, email info@trilakeshumanesociety.org, or visit trilakeshumanesociety.org. Registration includes one beer/wine ticket (must be 21+) or soda/water, and one free ice cream.
