Local animal shelters team up for Olympics-themed event to help animals find homes

CLEAR WATER, DUNN, CHIPPEWA COUNTIES, Wisconsin (WEAU) – As more than 200 countries gather later this month for the 2020 Summer Olympics, four Chippewa Valley animal welfare organizations – Bob’s House for Dogs, Chippewa County Humane Association, Dunn County Humane Society and Eau Claire County Humane Association – will come together to show that the animals in their facilities are “as good as gold”.

From Opening to Closing Ceremonies in Japan – From July 23 to August 8, the As Good As Gold Animal Olympics will use a Facebook event page to showcase the animals available for adoption at each facility and their athletic abilities.

It will also educate the public on what each organization is doing, raise funds that the four agencies will share equally, and inspire animal lovers to share photos and videos of their adopted companions at local shelters.

“There is a level of excitement surrounding the Olympics, and we thought why not be a part of it and show off some of the amazing dogs on our team,” said Amy Quella, executive director of Bob’s House for Dogs, a foster and adoptive families. center for middle-aged to senior dogs south of Eau Claire.

Lisa Drenckhahn, Dunn County Humane Society volunteer and event coordinator, strongly agrees.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase some of our adoptable residents at this fun event,” she said. “And it’s great to have the chance to work with ECCHA, CCHA and Bob’s House for Dogs to help more homeless animals in the Chippewa Valley reunite with their eternal families.

The four organizations – located in Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire counties – welcome and care for homeless animals, relying primarily on donations, fundraising and grants to cover related costs. Between the four organizations, more than 2,200 animals – mostly dogs and cats – found homes in 2020.

“ECCHA adopted more than 885 animals in 2020 – during the global pandemic! said Shelley Janke, executive director of the Eau Claire County Humane Association. “We have tried hard to stay open to adopters during this crazy year and are delighted to have found homes for so many animals! And we look forward to finding accommodations for even more through this effort. “

Jess Crosby, shelter manager for the Chippewa County Humane Association, hopes to do the same.

“If you think Simone Biles is talented, wait until you meet our residents,” she said. “The cats and dogs in our care are really as good as gold, and we hope people will consider adding them to their squad.”

To access the As Good as Gold Animal Olympics Facebook page, click on HERE. Much like the official Summer Games, there will be opening and closing ceremonies, as well as photos and videos of the adoptable animals.

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