Before she adopted Jake, an American Bulldog mix from The Brittany Foundation, Ashlyn Burgin of Saugus didn’t know how many dogs never got so lucky.
That’s why she’s sitting in a kennel for up to 24 hours with Zorra, a senior black lab, during The Brittany Foundation’s “Day in Their Paws” annual fundraiser on November 12 2011.
“I realized that there are tons of dogs just like Jake that need homes, so I decided to get involved in giving these other dogs a happy ending,” Burgin said. “I am also hoping to show people that shelter dogs are not broken, that they love unconditionally and are as good as any dog you’d find from a breeder.”
For 24 hours, Burgin and approximately 20 other Brittany Foundation volunteers will live in a kennel with the homeless dog of their choice to raise awareness of how shelter dogs live day after day, taking breaks only to eat and use the restroom. The kenneled volunteers will raise money for the non-profit organization by having sponsors buy their freedom at $1 per minute. All donations to The Brittany Foundation are tax-deductible.
The Brittany Foundation will simultaneously host an open house from noon to 4 p.m. on November 12, so that the public has a chance to tour the sanctuary and meet their adoptable dogs. The “Day in Their Paws” open house will feature live music from Lockdown, a silent auction and raffle, plus refreshments from Los Angeles chef Stefan Niemczyk, Margo’s Bark Root Beer and a bake sale.
Volunteer Tiffany Martinez-Wright of Canyon Country will bunk with Tommy T. Tucker, her favorite dog at the no-kill sanctuary. “Tommy is a beautiful, noble dog, a true gentleman with the most beautiful eyes. He’s aging so well, you’d never know he’s 10,” Martinez-Wright said. “I hope every day someone will see in him what we all do.”
Brittany Foundation founder Nancy Anderson hopes so, too. She started the non-profit in 1991 and has since placed 1,800 dogs, many of which had been pulled from death row at local shelters or puppy mills across Los Angeles, into permanent homes.
“Every dog we adopt out creates a space for another dog we can save,” Anderson said.
“But if you’re not looking to adopt, you can still lend a hand by sponsoring a volunteer or coming by the open house. Watch our website for up-to-date information.”
To sponsor a volunteer or learn more about “Day In Their Paws,” visit www.brittanyfoundationonline.org. “Day In Their Paws” Open House is on Saturday, November 12, from noon to 4 p.m., located at the corner of Sierra Highway and Anthony Road in Agua Dulce, 91390. Follow signs to sanctuary.
For more information, call 661-713-5240 or email brittany_dogs@yahoo.com.