Erica McCarthy, operations manager for Canine Companions Rescue Center, at left, and Lori Lammon, board member, with some of their dogs in need of homes, Gizmo, a blind, senior Shih Tzu, and puppies Chloe and Lincoln. Photo by Phil Custodio

BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Animal aficionados are asked to show their love by supporting the Canine Companions Rescue Center’s (CCRC) Cupids and Canines event, Saturday, Feb. 11, 12-5 p.m., at Camp Bow Wow Clarkston, 6374 Sashabaw Road.
“We haven’t been able to host our last two food events because our food bank is empty – we’ve been crying for help for dogs and cats who need it,” said Lori Lammon, board member for the center. “We’re also hoping there will be some local stores and vendors willing to team up with us to help all of the communities in need.”
The Cupids and Canines event includes making paw print ornaments with instructions on how to bake it at home. They will also be selling Valentine’s items for those with two and four legs, including gift baskets, homemade dog treats, and jewelry.
Bring a bag of Pedigree dog food to donate. Donations and food will go to Paws Project, a community outreach initiative helping low-income families by providing free dog and cat food, which helps keep pets in homes that might otherwise not be able to afford them, and by paying most of the cost to spay and neuter pets in these homes.
“They only pay $20, we supplement the other $60, which of course means less animals are unintentionally bred,” Lammon said. “We can’t adopt our way out of the problem. We’ve got to get to the root of it.”
Last year, when they launched the initiative, they were able to distribute almost 25,000 pounds of dry dog food and almost 1,000 pounds of dry cat food, along with thousands of cans of wet food; 60 dogs were spayed or neutered; 63 local families were assisted with spay or neuter, food, or both; and 93 local dogs and 66 local cats were assisted with spaying or neutering, food, or both.
“We’re looking to grow the initiative by adding other much needed services, but unfortunately, we need additional funding first,” Lammon said.
Also, they are in the process of planning a community outreach event with World of Wonder Daycare in Highland.
“Our trainer is working with them to coordinate a day and time to visit and talk with and educate the children about our mission,” Lammon said.
They’re always looking for volunteers to foster all kinds of dogs of all ages, she said.
“The more people we have involved, the more dogs we can save from being euthanized in shelters daily,” Lammon said.
They received animals from shelters and animal control agencies around Michigan, averaging 55-65 at any given time.
“Shelters call daily for help,” said Erica McCarthy, operations manager for CCRC. “They run out of space.”
The Clarkston area is a big supporter, with foster families volunteering, and at fundraisers and adoption events.
“There’s no better feeling than to see dog placed in a home,” Lammon said. “The Clarkston community has been awesome.”
Anyone interested in volunteering and/or fostering can fill out an application online at www.ccrcdogs.com. Dogs at the center are also in need of donations including durable collars, and sponsoring medical needs. A complete wish list is on the website.
For more information, email Lammon at lorilammon@gmail.com.