It's looking like a big weekend for Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue, but it comes at a time when they're in need of some extra support.
According to founder Kim Hessel, the current economic strain has seen donations slow down and simultaneously increased the need for dog food in the community.
"I think it's a little bit of economy going on here where maybe donations like that have slowed down a little bit. And so we find ourselves in a position where there's just not enough. The other consideration, too, is that we do help some of the folks here in High River who are on fixed income or are just in a circumstance where they can't always afford dog food. So I don't want to say no to those folks either because I know that our help really helps them."
The High River animal rescue is also caring for close to 40 dogs at the moment, a few of which have been with them for some time.
"They've been there, but they haven't been as steady as what I'd ever like them to be. Our good dogs are getting adopted, the ones that have no issues and they're fairly nice temperamented dogs. Those guys are going. The ones that take a little bit longer or the ones that I need a specific home for are a little bit of a longer go on our end."
Fortunately, a couple of events are being held to provide Heaven Can Wait with a boost.
They'll be holding a meet and greet at the Pet Valu at D'Arcy Ranch Drive in Okotoks on Saturday (March 29), and later that evening, Boston Pizza in High River is hosting a Battle of Alberta event starting at 8 p.m. featuring a prize wheel and art auction, with donations being collected for Heaven Can Wait.
On Sunday evening, the first annual Spring Yoga Triathlon at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex will also support the animal rescue, with $10 from each registration being donated.
Pet Valu High River has also been hosting a food drive for Heaven Can Wait, collecting donations bought in-store or dropped off, which runs until April 21.