PETCO’s fund-raiser benefits SCRAPS

When Happy Tail, a boxer-mix stray dog, arrived at Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service recently he was in bad shape. His tail was a bloody, mutilated mess.

A veterinarian cleaned and dressed Happy Tail’s wounds, but in the end, his tail had to be amputated. The tailectomy came to $300.

SCRAPS doesn’t have a staff veterinarian to take care of animals that are injured or sick when they arrive at the shelter. It has to pay a private veterinarian for these animals’ care.

“Luckily we have people that donate to our medical fund,” said Patricia Simonet, SCRAPS development coordinator.

This medical fund is $592 richer, thanks to the generosity of PETCO customers who made contributions during the Spring a Pet fund-raiser. In addition to medical expenses, the funds will be used for shelter dog temperament evaluations.

“Our goal at SCRAPS is to end the euthanasia of adoptable pets. With this gift from PETCO Foundation we can test and train more shelter dogs, creating better and more permanent adoptions,” said Nancy Hill, director of SCRAPS.

The PETCO event ran from March 13 to April 17, and the foundation raised more than $1.83 million nationwide for grass-roots animal welfare organizations.

The PETCO store on Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley selected SCRAPS to be the recipient of money raised at its location.

Happy Tail now has a little boxer-like tail. It’s very short, but since he’s a boxer-mix, it won’t ruin his image. He’s doing well, and he’s ready to be adopted. If you’re interested in a dog that wiggles more than it wags, visit the SCRAPS shelter at 2521 N. Flora Road, call 477-2532 or visit the shelter’s Web site, www.spokanecounty.org/animal.