Partying for a dog park

Parish animal shelter holding ‘paw-ties’ to raise funds

Kamryn Donaldson of Destrehan volunteers at the St. Charles Animal Shelter so she was fine with having her birthday party there.

The eight-year-old was also pretty happy about her party kicking off the fundraiser that will help bring a dog park to the parish.

The shelter is now hosting birthday “paw-ty” experiences on Sundays to raised the funds and educate youths.

“This is an educational experience and celebration rolled into a paw-ty,” said Animal Control Supervisor Dr. Jena Troxler. “The future goal of a dog park will be aided by this endeavor, but teaching children the value and care of animals is also one of our goals. Our entire staff is excited to embark on this new community event offering.”

A dog park was among the requests made to Parish President Larry Cochran when he campaigned last year.

After touring neighboring facilities, Troxler estimated they’ll need $300,000 to $350,000 for the park. The project requires added features like drainage, motion-activated fire hydrants and fencing that goes below ground.

Duane Foret, the parish’s Parks and Recreation director, said the project is in the preliminary phase and will be a collaborative effort between his department and the animal shelter. The two will work on getting a site and dog park in the near future.

The St. Charles Humane Society will donate money for parts of the park, such as things to entertain children when parents walk their dogs, said Society President Jackie Boudreaux.

Two memorial benches have already been earmarked for the park with donations, Boudreaux said.

In the past, the Humane Society donated equipment for the animal shelter’s surgery suite.

“We anticipate something similar for the dog park,” Boudreaux said.

To help pay for the park, Kamryn set the fund in motion by having her birthday party at the shelter recently.

“We rode the horse [Buttercup],” she said. “I just volunteer there and I just love animals, and I guess I just wanted to have my birthday there. It was really good. My friends liked it, and thought it was really cool.”

Her mother, Kristy Donaldson, said they started helping at the shelter by reading to the dogs, which boosted her daughter’s literacy and the dogs’ social skills. It wasn’t long before little sister, Kinley, 4, wanted to come on the shelter trips, too. When Kamryn agreed to the party, Kristy said, “It was the biggest turnout of any of my kids’birthday parties ever.”

Troxler said they’ve already signed up two more birthday parties, which will help fund the dog park.

The paw-ty experience is available at noon to 2 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Each party booked puts $50 in the park fund, although additional donations are welcome.

The standard paw-ty package is $375 for a group of 12 and includes educational activities led by shelter staff, including a shelter tour, presentation on animal rescue and the shelter’s goals, “Be a Vet” experience, dog and cat play, basic pet care, small animals and exotics and horseback rides with permanent shelter horse Buttercup.

Party materials available include birthday party décor, four tables with tablecloths, plates, utensils, napkins and cups.

Also included are bottled water, lemonade, ice and a party favor for each child guest.

Party add-ons include a pet-themed party food served in pet bowls for $50, large pizzas for $12 each and a photographer that provides a disc of party pictures for $45.

Additional children can attend, but can not exceed 20 at $20 per child. All parties must have two adult chaperones. No personal pets are allowed at the party.

For more information or to book a party, call (985) 783-5010.

 

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