One animal needs two ACL’s repaired. Another needs eye surgery and yet another, major dental work from a painful mouth infection.
Broken Promises Rescue co-founder Pamela Saddler says those stories are just a few of the hundreds she sees every year. She hopes the public helps those animals get the treatment and homes they deserve, by attending the Afternoon Delight Auction on May 24 at Olympic View Golf Course, the proceeds from which will help fulfill promises some haven’t kept.
“(When things go wrong) we are here to pick up the pieces, get things straightened out and get them into a loving home forever,” she says. “It is super rewarding, because these animals don’t have a chance and when we do this, it gets them into a loving home.”
The third annual auction features a sandwich and salad buffet and a huge silent auction, featuring hundreds of items donated from community businesses, including many on the West Shore. The auction, which raised more than $8,000 last year, includes items ranging from pet supplies and spa packages to fishing charters and jewelry. Photos of adoptable animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys and a pig – will also be on display. Many are from shelters from across B.C., the SPCA and the CRD, and some were on the road to euthanization before being rescued, Saddler says.
“I get updated from those who have adopted, and to hear how the (animals) have made an impact on their new home is so rewarding,” she says.
The animal rescue service she founded alongside Kathleen Davis is completely volunteer-run, with all proceeds going to help animals in need. Volunteers also put in extra time, money and effort to secure necessary veterinary work, including vaccinations and micro-chipping, before the animals go to a loving home, Saddler adds.
Some animals in the shelter remain there for years, unadopted due to colour, breed, behavioural issues or high vet bills – those are the animals she loves to help. The rescue has helped approximately 800 animals in four years.
“We all care and we couldn’t do this without everyone’s help – the public to adopt and the businesses to help with donations,” she says. “It all (goes toward) helping the animals who need it the most.”
Auction tickets are $25, available at Bosley’s on the Island Highway in Colwood, or at the Shelbourne Street or West Saanich Road stores. Or click on the link at brokenpromisesrescue.com.
alim@goldstreamgazette.com