Bowes Animal Hospital in Elgin is turning into a Doggie Day Spa on Sunday, January 27th to raise funds and awareness for Anderson Animal Shelter. This is an excellent opportunity to take care of the “little things” that pet owners tend to put off but which can make a big difference in your pet’s overall level of health and wellness, says Caitlin Swedroe, veterinary assistant at Bowes and one of the event coordinators. For example, nail trimming is an essential part of a regular grooming routine. If your dog’s nails get too long, they can break, which is painful and sometimes results in infection. Long nails can also cause an irregular gait that can stress joints and make walking difficult.
Dog owners can stop by any time between 9am and 4 pm and enjoy light refreshments while choosing from a menu of services for their pets. In addition to nail trims, the clinic is offering ear cleaning and a good brushing of your pup’s pearly whites. For an extra bit of glam, you can add on some pretty pet-friendly nail polish and an aromatherapy massage. A portion of all event proceeds will go to benefit the Shelter. And if having an irresistibly cuddly, sweet-smelling pooch isn’t enough, you will also receive a gift bag from the clinic, a coupon for a free health exam and a free raffle ticket for each service you select for a chance to win over $125 worth of doggie themed merchandise!
Doggie’s Day Out is the brainchild of Lisa Forret, an assistant in the Development Office at Anderson Animal Shelter. She approached Bowes with the idea while bringing her dog, Panzer, in for an appointment. Swedroe said the clinic was immediately excited about the opportunity to help. “We said of course! Anderson does great work. Their devotion to helping animals and keeping them off the street (especially cats!) is something they should be proud of!”
Forret turned to Michelle Adams, an Anderson volunteer with a strong desire to make a difference, to pull the event together with the Bowes staff. “I’ve been volunteering since October. The staff is so devoted. They really make the volunteers feel welcomed and appreciated. There are always a million things to do. I’ve walked dogs and I help socialize the cats. But sometimes I have days when I just feel like being behind the scenes, helping with office work. There are so many different ways to help.” This is the first event Adams has organized and it is proving to be a great outlet for her creativity. In addition to creating the treat bags and organizing the raffle, she has been busy making doggie bows and bandanas for the spa participants. "I want to make this a special day and give everyone something to remember it by."
While this is the first fund raising event held at Bowes, which opened in Elgin just six months ago, the clinic has already been an active supporter of Anderson, offering 15% discounts for veterinary services to members of the Shelter. Says Swedroe, “We believe the health of every animal is important. We want to offer things that will get people to take care of their animals to the best of their ability. Every animal deserves good health care and I think that is what we strive for the most. Not a lot of people can afford it, and we want to offer help in any way we can.”
Bowes Animal Hospital is located at 2375 Bowes Rd, Suite 400 in Elgin. Call (847) 888-0048 with questions. Proof of current rabies vaccine is required for all services. Need to run a couple quick errands while your dog gets pampered at this event? The staff are happy to accommodate you as possible.
For more information on Anderson Animal Shelter, including adoption, voluteering, donations, drives and membership opportunities, please visit http://www.andersonanimalshelter.org or phone 847-697-2880. They are located at 1000 S. La Fox Rd., South Elgin, IL 60177.
Nice job.
Posted by: Peter | 01/22/2013 at 07:32 AM
Thanks. Hope they get a lot of people/dogs!
Posted by: Laura | 01/22/2013 at 08:10 AM