Farmers Market Has Gone To The Dogs!

Posted By: Gail Moerkerken
Date: Thursday, 20 April 2006, at 8:44 a.m.

By Rick dennis
Apr 12 2006

A Real Shaggy Dog Story -

It was a pleasure to meet canine cuties Harley and Swizzle and their humans Saturday at the Big Heart Rescue Society booth in the Downtown Duncan Farmers' Market.

The group has been rescuing badly abused, neglected and abandoned dogs for five years now and has been a registered charity for three, according to vice prez Jenn Wagnor.

"We are all over Vancouver Island and the Mainland. All dogs go straight to foster care where they receive rehab, vetting and training before they are adopted."

Harley tolerated my petting with a "just part of the job" demeanor until I gave him a couple of doggie treats and he seemed to focus in on me for the first time.

Volunteer fundraiser Joan Gordon says the group is selling raffle tickets for a trip to Mexico (donated by Your Pet Pals in Victoria) to cover some extensive vet bills as well as staging a Spring Gala Dinner Dance and Auction May 12 at Olympic View Golf Course.

Valley golf pro "Stormin' Norm" Jackson will serve as auctioneer and lots of cool stuff is up for grabs including a Robert Bateman print, jewelry and more. Norm says he has been in the doghouse more than a few times himself so he can relate to the cause.

Jenn and Joan and the dogs will be at the market most Saturdays. Log onto www.bigheartrescue.com to find out more about the society or write to Harley directly at harleywags@shaw.ca.

Okay, Norm didn't really say that but the dog does have his own e-mail address (seriously).

http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=9&cat=43&id=626918&more=