What could be better than spending a gorgeous summer afternoon playing golf on one of Oxford’s scenic courses?
How about doing it to raise money for two groups that rescue dogs?
If that sounds good, then grab your clubs and sign up for the 4th Annual Putts for Paws outing to be held on Sunday, Aug. 26 at Devil’s Ridge Golf Club (3700 Metamora Rd.) in Oxford Township.
Sponsored by Veterinary Home Care, proceeds from the event will be split 50-50 between the Oxford-based K9 Stray Rescue League and the Canine Companion Rescue Center (CCRC), both of which are nonprofit organizations.
“These rescues work so hard,” said Dr. Elena Osborne, of Independence Township, owner of Veterinary Home Care. “I see a lot of families that have rescue dogs from both organizations. I really feel like they’re doing a great job and want to support them.”
The outing is an 18-hole, four-person scramble that will commence with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m.
Lunch will be served on the course, followed by dinner and a silent auction at 3 p.m. There will also be live music.
There will be an opportunity to meet and adopt some of the rescue dogs at Devil’s Ridge.
“They’re great ambassadors for the rescues and the cause,” Osborne said. “The golfers love visiting with the animals.”
Cost is $140 per player for golf and dinner or $30 for folks who just want to be there for dinner and the silent auction.
About 72 golfers had signed up as of Aug. 15.
“We have room for more,” Osborne said.
Last year’s outing raised approximately $6,500 for each rescue group.
“Every year, we get a little more money for them to do great things,” Osborne said. “Everybody is very, very supportive and loves the event.”
Founded in 1990, the K9 Stray Rescue League’s mission is to “rescue as many well-tempered, adoptable dogs (as possible) from county shelters’ euthanasia lists” and “provide a humane, temporary environment for (them) until permanent homes are found.” The group operates a kennel facility at 2120 Metamora Rd., just west of M-24.
Last year, the group helped 637 dogs find their forever homes. Since 2014, the K9 Stray Rescue League has helped 2,682 dogs get adopted.
Founded in 2004, CCRC is dedicated to “working with the community and area animal control agencies to promote the adoption of dogs without families.”
Last year, CCRC rescued and adopted out 535 dogs.
Osborne is a big proponent of encouraging people to adopt dogs and cats from rescue groups as opposed to purchasing them from breeders.
With breeders, she said “the bottom-line is money” as they create more and more animals to earn a profit.
Rescue groups, on the other hand, take in animals that have been “abandoned, neglected and abused,” care for them by giving them food, shelter, medical care and love, then find them permanent homes.
“These dogs and cats in rescues are fighting for their lives,” Osborne said.
Pet overpopulation is major problem that has led to overcrowded shelters and millions of homeless animals in the United States.
“People don’t really have an appreciation (for) just how bad the situation is,” Osborne said. “They should come and spend a week at a rescue and see what these folks do.”
Osborne wishes more pet owners would take the time to have their animals spayed or neutered to help reduce the pet population and prevent unwanted animals from “being dumped” on the streets and in shelters.
She believes “if people really saw how bad the situation is, what these animals are going through and what they need,” they wouldn’t hesitate to take precautions to ensure their pets can’t help perpetuate and exacerbate the problem.
Osborne noted she is extremely grateful to everyone who volunteers their time to make Putts for Paws happen every year, from the “people hitting the pavement” to collect donations to the local businesses who never hesitate to give.
“I definitely could not do it myself,” she said. “None of this would happen without their generosity.”
Sponsors include Great Expressions Dental Center of Oxford, Detroit Elevator Company, Robert Half, Cavanaugh/Quesada PLC, Universal Plumbing and Supply, Samex, Laser Lines Parking Lot Maintenance, Kathy Guerrero and her canine friends and Signs by Jacki Allen.
To register for the Putts for Paws outing, please visit www.k9stray.com. Make checks payable to K9 Stray Rescue League (Nonprofit #38-3154976).