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Lights, camera, action -- it's time for your pet to become a model. The Sierra Lions are holding a Pet Photo Contest to benefit Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that equips people with special needs with a canine companion/helper.
"It's a wonderful organization," said Gail Hawksworth, event representative and Oakhurst Lions Club member. "This would be a fun way for someone to display their animals and help someone in need that needs a companion dog."
Photos are being accepted through Sept. 3 and there will be a prize for first through third place for each of the following categories:
Dogs
Multiple Dogs
Cats
Multiple Cats
Barnyard Animal(s)
Humans and Animal(s)
Holidays (Christmas, Halloween, Easter, etc.)
Pictures must be 4x6 or will not be accepted. Photos will not be returned. Entry fee for first photo is $5, each additional photos is $3. Entry forms are available at Oakhurst Feed & Supply, 40119 Enterprise Drive.
Entries will be judged by a panel Sept. 6 and 7. All winning entries will be on display at Oakhurst Feed through Sept. 28. Winners will receive gift certificates from local sponsors. The public can vote for the People's Choice grand prize winner from the winners on display at the store. The People's Choice award winner will be announced at the Eastern Madera County SPCA's Animal Fair Oct. 2.
Canine Companions for Independence began in 1975 in Santa Rosa and quickly grew. It now has locations across the United States. Puppies are raised by trained volunteers who take care of the puppies until they are 18 months old. They are then given back to the agency and tested for temperamental and medical issues. If the puppy passes, it then goes on for further training by a professional for six to nine months. Once it has passed all its tests, it is then matched with a person in need. The recipient of the canine companion and the canine then go through two weeks of training. At the end, a graduation ceremony is held.
Puppy raisers must be at least 18 years of age and able to part with the dog after 18 months. Canine Companions will help with veterinary bills, but raisers must pay for food.
Hawksworth said she is hoping the Lions' fundraiser for Canine Companions will go well and become an annual event.
"The dogs are free to the people in need," she said. "That's why it is so important for this foundation to keep running through donations. It's very heart filling to give to someone in need."
Details: MySham K-9, (559) 658-7122 or Oakhurst Feed & Pet Supply, (559) 683-7977.
