By KATH GANNAWAY
WITH a cheque for $3000 tucked in his collar, Animal Aid ambassador, Boris the Boxer, showed his appreciation for a big donation with a big smoochy ‘thank you’ for the benefactors.
The donation comes with a tinge of sadness from the Yarra Ranges Kennel Club which has folded after more than 20 years in operation.
President, Brenda Harper and Secretary, Denise Crowley, said Animal Aid in Coldstream was an obvious choice for the funds once they had made the decision that the club was no longer viable.
The club followed on from the Healesville Kennel Club which closed in 1995. The Yarra Ranges club started a short time later on 26 July, 1995.
With members from across Yarra Ranges and representing an eclectic range of dog breeds, the club held an annual Championship Show each year until 2012 when it doubled the effort holding two shows a year with international judges.
Ms Harper said it had been increasingly difficult to find people to take on committee roles.
“It’s sad that we have had to finish something that has provided a great deal of enjoyment and support for dog owners and for the hundreds of dogs that have been part of the club over the years,” Ms Harper said.
Animal Aid CEO, Mark Menze, thanked the Kennel Club saying it was a significant donation that would be put to good use.
“This is a very expensive operation to run and the shortfall without fund-raising is in the order of half a million dollars a year, so we are very dependent on our fund-raising activities to bridge that gap.
“Donations such as this help us keep our head above water,” he said.
