Healing Hearts Small Animal Rescue
By Britt Combs | The McDowell News
Published: November 12, 2009
People with a penchant for philanthropy can pet plenty of pretty puppies and peruse a plethora of paraphernalia for purchase Saturday in Old Fort.
The Healing Hearts Small Animal Rescue benefit sale takes place Saturday at the Old Fort Depot from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Healing Hearts director Vicky Tate said the fundraiser is a semi-annual event that is vital to the work the group accomplishes every day; providing relief, comfort and care to many of the community's neediest, most vulnerable -- and cuddliest -- creatures.
She said there were hundreds of great items offered for sale, including the ever-popular and often very hard to find toddlers' and kids' shoes and clothing.
"We have bathroom items (including sinks and other hardware), clothing, household items and lots of Christmas decorations," she stated Wednesday.
There will also be baked goods (yum!), delightful scented candles and healing Hearts tee shirts available.
Bring the kids, because some of the beneficiaries of the group's work will be there to say a special thank-you for supporting the group's work. That's right, dogs and cats will be available for petting, play, or even adoption throughout the fundraiser.
Four-legged guests include Cassie, a furry white bundle of canine cuteness who lost an eye and will need surgery soon. She is a delight to be around and makes friends wherever she goes. There will be a bunny, Tate said, who had adoption pending at press time, but will attend the fundraiser if there's a delay.
"One or two of our boxers" will also be available for petting, she added, so "there goes the whole 'small animal' thing." There will also be a cat who lost his eyes to an infection as a kitten. While strictly an indoor kitty, Tate said, he is well adjusted, playful and fully house-trained.
And of course, there's Willie, a special Chihuahua who weighs a mere two pounds, due to stunted growth caused by a respiratory infection as a pup. He has passed through a lot of challenges but, after three months, he has won a lot of hearts and become a shining example of the care, attention and loving healing Tate and her associates are known for.