Care for Your Pets/Care for Yourself, the Humane Society of Rowan County’s 40 anniversary celebration, will be Saturday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Rowan County Fairgrounds.
Everyone is invited to attend this vendor fair and showcase of both animal and people products and services. Parking and admission is free. Local entertainers will perform throughout the day, and a horse show and canine agility demonstration will be held in the afternoon.
Presentation of the Susan J. Gloeckler Memorial Awards will take place at 3 p.m. Citations are given by the organization each year to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to animal welfare. Recipients may not be active members of the Humane Society of Rowan County.
A highlight of the day will be the recognition of the My Pet Is… Contest winners. Pet guardians are invited to collect penny votes for their pet’s special attribute and bring the pet’s photo and donation jar containing the penny votes to the event on Saturday morning. Votes will continue to be collected until 2 p.m. The top three vote collectors will receive gift cards, and all entrants will receive certificates. Pet guardians determine their pet’s category. It might be cutest, fluffiest, finickiest, whatever stands out about your pet and makes him special to you.
A local photographer will take photos of pets for a nominal fee with a portion of the proceeds going to the HSRC. All pets attending the event must be on leashes or in secured carriers.
Organizers of the Downtown Salisbury Zombie Walk will be on hand to register walkers. Proceeds from this event are generously given to the Humane Society of Rowan County each year.
The HSRC has reached the midpoint of its 40 Spays or Neuters Challenge. The organization set the goal of having 40 spays or neuters sponsored by Sept. 13, one for each year of the organization’s service to the animals and people of Rowan County and surrounding communities. Sponsors may select which type surgery they wish to contribute, spay or neuter of a cat or dog, through the HSRC’s reduced cost spay/neuter service with three local veterinarians. Cost ranges from $50 to $85, and partial sponsorships are welcome. To sponsor a spay or neuter and be a part of the solution to the suffering and problems associated with the overpopulation of unwanted cats and dogs, call 704-636-5700, option 9 or email humanesocietyofrowancounty@windstream.net.