The Augusta area is home to multiple animal rescue organizations.
While pets are the focus of That’s What Friends Are For, pet adoption isn’t the group’s function.
“Spaying and neutering is our mission,” said Tara Romes, the group’s vice president.
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Through its low-cost voucher program, the organization, founded in 2009, can help people get their pets spayed or neutered for a donation of $40 for dogs and $30 for cats. The organization also provides limited assistance for emergency veterinarian care.
As a non-profit, the organization relies on donations and fundraisers to continue its mission.
Because of COVID-19, its main fundraiser wasn’t held in 2020. Plans are underway for the Top Dog competition Aug 21 at Pendleton King Park.
Romes said the group is still seeking sponsors for the event. The deadline for donors to make it on the annual T-shirt is Aug. 1. Three levels of business sponsorships are available — $1,000, $500 and $250.
The fifth annual contest has nine categories including most glamorous (female), most handsome (male), best costume, perfectly imperfect (disabilities/amputees), best senior (gray muzzle), tiny tot (20 pounds and under), biggest best (75 pounds and up), best rescue with most compelling story and happiest dog (extreme tail wagging and huge smiles).
The entry fee is $25 per dog plus $5 for any additional categories. To request an entry form, email cullen.nellis@gmail.com.
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Registration for the event will begin at 10 a.m. with the competition around 11:15 a.m. at the Pendleton King Park pavilion. In addition to the Top Dog contest, the event will feature food, vendors, raffles and a silent auction. It will end around 3 p.m.
Medals will be given to the first-place winners, with second and third place receiving ribbons. The overall winner will receive a trophy as will the dog with the most compelling rescue story.
Donations to That’s What Friends Are For are tax deductible.
MORE: Dogs and Cats Are Available for Rescue
To learn more about That’s What Friends are For, visit thatswhatfriendsarefor.org. For vendor and sponsorship information, email tfordromes@yahoo.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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