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Effingham Magazine

Savannah Kennel Club Aims High to Procure a Pet Disaster Relief Trailer

Savannah Kennel Club Aims High to Procure a Pet Disaster Relief Trailer

It is frightening to hear or read of a di­saster striking and to see the pictures of the devastation wreaked upon a com­munity. The sense of loss—the helpless­ness experienced by the families affect­ed—can be overwhelming. In addition to the destruction of property and the loss of cherished items, many families also become separated from their pets. These animals are their companions and their family members. In the midst of every­thing else, families agonize over when, how or even if they will see their pets again. To this end, the Savannah Kennel Club (SKC) has recently made a commit­ment to provide Chatham County with a pet disaster relief trailer.

Members of the SKC have taken on a challenging fundraising effort to pro­vide the monies necessary to procure a pet disaster relief trailer that can rescue, house and care for at least 65 pets during the first few critical days after a disas­ter strikes. Part of the funds needed will come from a grant offered by the Amer­ican Kennel Club, however the grant will only cover about a third of the monies needed. As a result, SKC will be host­ing several major events, the proceeds of which will go toward the additional $19,000 need for the rescue trailer.

In September, Savannah will be going to the dogs—literally. And for a good cause.

The month is going to start out with a two-day Fast CAT event at Tom Triplett Park on September 11-12. It may be called Fast CAT, but it’s all about dogs. This sanctioned AKC event is open to both purebred and mixed breed dogs. Com­petitors race against the clock, individu­ally chasing a lure in a blazing 100-year dash. It doesn’t matter whether your dog is a Pyrenees, a Pomeranian or a Peeka­poo. The dogs are handicapped based on their height at their shoulders—less than 12”, 12” - 18”, and greater than 18”.

Just take a look at some of the top speeds turned in by canine competitors:

BREED

MPH

Beagle

24.63

Bulldog

22.51

Chihuahua

23.12

Greyhound

37.37

Labrador Retriever

29.16

Poodle

27.95

Whippet

38.69

Although the event will be for nation­al rankings, there will be fun runs offered for those who would like to enter their couch companions and try the sport out. Sign up in advance or race day. You can compete whether your dog is of noble lineage or dubious parentage. The dog just needs to be 12 months of age.

For those who prefer a slower pace, there is a golf tournament on September 22 to benefit SKC. This will include 18 holes of golf, a cart, lunch and prizes and will be held at The Club at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island, across from River Street. The Club offers a beautiful and chal­lenging, classically designed Sam Snead and Bob Cupp course. Enjoy the play while knowing that you’ve contributed to making the disaster relief trailer a reality.

Evident of the support this effort is re­ceiving from the dog community in the area, SouthEast Disc Dogs stepped up and offered to host the golf tournament for the Savannah Kennel Club. The fris­bee flying canines and handlers will also be part of WagFest, a huge, two-day dog weekend to be held on September 24-25 at Tom Triplett Park.

Trainers, breeders, therapists, veter­inarians, rescue organizations and so many others from across the low country are coming out to support SKC’s WagFest weekend. It will be two fun-filled days of demonstrations, dog sports, food, music, vendors, games and contests, and Meet The Breed—an introduction and informa­tional session of various dog breeds.

Kicking off WagFest will be The Fast and the Furriest 5K Run and 1-mile Fun Walk where runners/walkers and their dogs compete. Participating local rescue groups will have pups for those participants without canine partners, although you can still participate without a dog. There will be swag bags, medallions, bandanas and bragging rights, so don’t miss out.

Altamaha Canine Consulting is SKC’s principal sponsor for WagFest and will be on hand to conduct demonstrations for attendees. There is no admittance fee and it will be family and dog friendly, so plan to be a part of the activities and to bringing the disaster relief trailer to our area!

For more information and event sign-ups, visit www.savannahkennelclub.org or facebook.com/SavannahKennelClub.