Friends of Linda L. Kelly Animal Shelter (FOLLKAS), and Just One More Dachshund Rescue (JOMDR) teamed up with SMASH K9 to host a Small Business Saturday Open House. This first-time event raised over $2,500 for needy animals and united the community to support a good cause.
The event had pet photos with Santa, booths from local businesses, and delicious food. Donations, including a $15 fee for the photos, directly went to JOMDR and FOLLKAS, helping them continue their work rescuing and caring for animals.
With the money raised, JOMDR plans to address upcoming surgeries, including a spay, three neuters, and a dental issue. The funds will also help with routine blood work for incoming dogs, especially senior pets.
FOLLKAS will use their part of the funds to install new kennel tops at the shelter. These toppers will make the shelter safer by preventing larger dogs from jumping into neighboring kennels.
This event wasn’t the first for FOLLKAS and JOMDR, as they have collaborated before on other events.
“FOLLKAS has partnered with JOMDR on several other large events,” said President Laurel Matthews. “We work well together.”
JOMDR Founder Dawn Shonkwile added to that sentiment.
“JOMDR enjoys partnering with FOLLKAS,” she said. “We have the same mission – helping animals in our community find new loving homes while also helping to educate owners on responsible pet ownership.”
Even though it was both organizations’ first time teaming up with SMASH K9 on an event, this isn’t their first time working together.
“SMASH K9 has assisted over 40 Linda L. Kelley Shelter dogs in providing evaluations and training to help get them through some training needs for adoption,” Matthews said. “Through FOLLKAS sponsorships, many of those dogs have returned to SMASH K9 with their new owners to continue training.”
“JOMDR currently is working with a very challenging young dog and Mr. Cathcart has tailored a training program specifically for this dog,” said Shonkwile. “We are really encouraged by the progress we have seen thus far.”
However, regarding the event, FOLLKA praised SMASH K9’s Owner and Director of Business Development, Sheri Cathcart.
“Ms. Sheri Cathcart, Owner and Director of Business Development was amazing to coordinate this event with,” said Matthews. “Utilizing her business skills, Ms. Cathcart was able to plan and execute the coordination and multilevel advertising of our event.”
Events like this help the community come together for a good cause. They show how much can be accomplished when people, businesses, and organizations team up.
“These types of events are important for not only our citizens but also our small business owners,” said Matthews. “This offers a one-on-one opportunity to engage, ask questions, provide networking, and an opportunity to choose to shop local more in the future.”
Overall, the Small Business Saturday Open House was successful, raising money for animal shelters and bringing the community together. It showed how local businesses, organizations, and people can work together to help animals.
If you want to learn more about these organizations or get involved, check out JOMDR, FOLLKAS, and SMASH K9’s websites to learn about upcoming events and other ways to help.