Bark in the Borough
By Matt Caulder
Published in News on September 28, 2013 10:34 PM
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Lou Ann Laughlin gives her dog, Hope, a hug and a kiss after she was named Bark in the Borough's cutest dog at Waynesborough Park Saturday. Hope, who was found in an abandoned house, was adopted only 3 weeks ago by Laughlin.
Less than a year ago, Hope was living under a boarded up house on George Street with her other siblings.
Then she met Rochelle Harrower.
And now, she is the "cutest dog in Wayne County."
"She is such a shy and timid dog (and) for her to go up there was a major feat. Look, I'm getting tears over this," Hope's owner, Lou Ann Laughlin said.
Ms. Harrower fostered Hope for six months and turned down 10 prospective owners waiting for Ms. Laughlin to come along.
"It's like Hope was meant for me," she said.
With the help of the folks at Ruf Creek Ranch, a Smithfield-based animal rescue and adoption center Ms. Harrower rehabilitated Hope from a timid stray to a lovable, if still shy, family pet.
"There are a set of qualifications prospective owners must meet, but I had more for Hope because she is so shy and needed someone who understood that," Ms. Harrower said.
Dog lovers gathered for the first-ever Bark in the Borough dog walking event Saturday at Waynesborough Park to raise money for the Wayne County Humane Society.
The event, sponsored by the organization, featured vendors, a rabies vaccination station and the cutest dog contest.
Second and third places went to miniature Yorkies, Layla and Chuey.
The profits from the event went to fund the society's spay and neuter programs as well as a pet food pantry, Humane Society Secretary Barrett Parker said.
Animals were also available from Diamonds in the Ruff adoption center.
Rabies vaccinations were offered by Wayne County Animal Services for $10 and are good for one year.
The vaccines are offered at other events throughout the year.
Vicki Falconer, an animal services employee, plans on offering rabies vaccinations quarterly to combat the rise in rabies in the past year.
"I'd never had a cat test positive for rabies in my shelter before. This year I had two," Ms. Falconer said. "The cats were strays and he picked them up and was feeding them so he was doing the right thing. I euthanized those cats."
Ms. Falconer does these events for the pets to help pet owners who can't get to the veterinarian so easily for the shot.
"If there is any way to get a shot to these animals I'll do it," she said. "Get the shot is all I can say."