Playing a good game of golf was all but secondary to everything else happening at the Fort 黑马磁力 Golf Course last Friday.
Cradling a fluffy, four-week-old kitten in one hand, and bottle feeding that tiny baby between its almost muted cries 鈥� that was far more important than the game, most participants agreed.
In fact, many golfers lined up for their chance to get some much-sought-after puppy or kitty love during the annual Paws on the Green Golf Tournament held by and for 黑马磁力 Animal Protection Society.
More than a dozen adoptable dogs and cats from LAPS' Patti Dale Animal Shelter in Aldergrove were brought out to golf course during the June 20 fundraising tourney, hoping they would soften the heart and further loosen the purse strings of players and sponsors in attendance.
Not surprising for executive director Sarah Jones, those adorable animals succeeded in that quest, "quickly became crowd favourites."
"I think the orphaned kittens were a huge hit as they were bottle feeders and a few guests got to feed them," Jones said
They were orphaned when their mom accidentally got out of the house and was killed by a dog while she was lounging in her front yard. The owner was unable to provide the specialized around the clock care the kittens need 鈥� feedings every two hours 鈥� so they were surrendered to LAPS. The fatal attack on their mother is still being investigated.
"The kittens are doing great," Jones said.
That story was just one of a few that caught the attention of golfer at the third annual charity tournament, which ultimately generated about $70,000 for the cause.
Bud was another big hit at Paws on the Green, offering kisses and hugs to everyone.
The five-month-old pup initially came into LAPS care with a litter of four other puppies that has been abandoned. The owner had been living in a van with someone else and got in a fight. The owner fled, taking only the mother dog and leaving behind the newborn puppies, Jones explained. LAPS was called in.
"They needed to be bottle fed and went into a foster [home]," Jones said.
"Bud is the last to be adopted, but is absolutely a sweetheart," Jones said.
There were several possible offers made to adopt him during the tourney, and she's optimistic a forever home will be arranged soon.
As for the success of the day, Jones said she's thrilled with the outcome, noting the golf tournament is quickly becoming one of LAPS' main fundraisers each year.
"We had a fantastic day with 117 golfers joining us on the course and, despite a brief 30-minute downpour, the day was filled with warmth, camaraderie, and community spirit," she said, also thanking and welcoming a number of new sponsors, including the presenting sponsors at Homes Alive Pets.
"While we came just shy of our $80,000 goal, we鈥檙e proud to have raised an impressive $70,000 in support of vulnerable animals and the people who love them."
Township Coun. Barb Martens was one of the volunteers at the annual tournament, and shared her excitement at being part of the event.
"LAPS does incredible work protecting and caring for our four-legged friends, and I'm always happy to support the people 鈥� and paws 鈥� who make our community better," Martens said.
Jones said the event continues to grow 鈥� they have capacity for 140 golfer 鈥� and she's optimistic that will be reached given everyone's eagerness for LAPS' next golf tournament. In the meantime, the team have turned its attention to the next big fundraiser, Pets On Pints, a photo contest coming up in August. They're also hoping to introduce a women's winery event this fall, and looking at possibly changing out the annual gala for a casino night in November.
