Harrison County Dog Pound to host Quarter Extravaganza fundraiser Oct. 5

The Harrison County Dog Pound will hold its eighth annual Quarter Extravaganza Oct. 5 at St. Francis Cabrini Church on U.S. 250 in Colerain. Doors open at noon.

Dog Warden Cindi Yanez said this year the event is partnering with Belmont County PAWsitive Placements and will share the proceeds.

“We have been partnering with them for a number of months and fundraisers. They are also a 501(c)(3) and are raising funds to build a private dog shelter in Belmont County. Both organizations share two board members,” Yanez said.

The private shelter would take in owner surrenders, something greatly needed in most counties.

In addition to the extravaganza, raffle tickets are available for a freezer full of meat donated by the Dutton family in Belmont County. Tickets are $10 each. Once all 500 are sold, the winner will be drawn.

A Chinese auction will feature a variety of items.

“There will be a basket of alcohol, a mum with over $100 of lottery tickets, a fall wreath valued at $80, among other things,” Yanez said.

Food will be available for purchase, including chicken sandwiches, tacos in a bag, chips, baked goods, water and pop. New this year will be half chickens while supplies last.

While dogs will not be at the event, residents are encouraged to look online at available dogs on Petfinder and the Harrison County Dog Pound Volunteers Facebook page.

Yanez explained how the fundraiser helps dogs in Harrison County.

“All 88 counties in Ohio are required to have a dog pound or dog shelter to house stray dogs. The difference between a pound and a shelter is historically significant in that a pound can, and some do, resort to euthanasia once the required stray hold is up. A pound also does not provide any veterinary care,” she said.

A shelter can give dogs more veterinary care, but the cost is reflected in adoption fees.

“The adoption fee is only $40 at HCDP because the county provides no veterinary care. The HCDPVolunteers was established to pay for preventative vetting care as well as emergency veterinary care,” Yanez said.

Without the volunteers, sick or injured dogs would be euthanized after their stray hold, and others would be offered for adoption without testing for diseases or receiving vaccines and alteration.

“This is what the money raised is used for,” Yanez said. “The HCDPVolunteers rely on donations.”