'40 dogs on a log' fundraises for domestic violence victims and their pets
40-dog photo shoot and fundraiser organized to raise awareness of emergency pet boarding services
Funds raised through the event, 40 Dogs on a Log for a Good Cause, will go towards emergency boarding for pets of victims of domestic abuse.
"There is a safe place for their pets to go and they need to know that," said Kim Sirett, the owner of Pooch Pack Adventures.
Sirett said many families aren't aware the Nanaimo SPCA offers pet boarding for residents of Haven House, a local transition house for victims of domestic abuse. Haven House and many similar shelters do not usually allow pets.
According to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, more than 40 per cent of women experiencing domestic violence significantly delay leaving an abusive relationship if it means they have to leave a pet behind.
As part of her dog walking services, Sirett often poses the dogs for a photo at the end of their hike. But it's usually only 10 to 12 dogs, never 40 at the same time.
"I'm pretty sure we're going to submit that to Guinness," said Sirett. "I don't believe there's been a record set for that — dogs sitting on a log."
With files from CHEK TV