On Saturday, after being made aware of a giant shopping and adoption event being sponsored by the Calcasieu Animal Coaltion, I decided to pay a visit.  I was certainly familiar with the location, as the 4 Paws Pet Hotel is where my Granddog stays when it is necessary to board him. So, off I headed to Hardy Road in Sulphur where not only the Pet Hotel is located, but the 4 Paws Society, Inc is based. 

The Calcasieu Animal Coalition is made up of the  4 Paws Society, Hobo Hotel for Cats, the SWLA Humane Society, and the Humane Society of Lake Charles.  Volunteers from each pf these non-profit groups were manning their booths, showing off resuce dogs and cats, and explaining their missions.

The concept of the event is impressive.  Besides the tremendous amount of items offered for sale by coalition members, "Vendors" had purchased space for $25.00 and were selling all sorts of items.  Jewlery, baked goods, househould items, furniture, dog treats and much, much more was available to the delight of those shopping for bargains and good eats. I noted experienced vendors as well as individuals who recognized the advantage of bringing their items to this larger venue. More exposure and lots less hassle than hosting a garage sale at your home!

I had read about the program matching dogs and at-risk kids, but it was a pleasure hearing about The New Leash on Life project directly from Beth Zilbert, President of the SWLA Humane Society.  As Beth talked to me about the program's success in just 2 short years working with kids at the Juvenile Detention Center, it was obvious that the New Leash on Life program is making a difference for both the kids and the dogs.

Beth explained that the program pairs dogs rescued from the Calcasieu Animal Control with kids housed at the parish Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). The kids volunteer and are chosen based on a number of criteria.The kids care for the dogs that live at the center.  Daily feeding, cleaning kennels, learning how to train the dogs in basic and advanced obedience, and making sure the dogs are healthy and happy are the responsibility of the kids.

Humane Society of Southwest Louisiana volunteers work with the kids every Tuesday and Thursday. The kids learn about basic obedience and dog care and are taught a most important philosophy. That is, one that does not tolerate violence or cruelty. Choke chains and pinch collars are never used. Dogs are not scolded or hit in any way nor are they forced to do any obedience skill. The kids, often victims of violence or cruetly themselves, are given a new basic set of skills for interacting with others and the dogs are made more adoptable.

As stated on the SWLAHumaneSocietyInc.com site, "Every time a new child comes into the program he or she is welcomed with a handshake, and congratulations for being willing to save a life. They are also told that now that they have saved a life, that life is in their hands."

I came away from this event inspired by all of the above groups. They desserve our support and provide yet another example of the spirit of Southwest Louisiana.