Eastern Niagara Animal Welfare Alliance continues helping Lockport area

The Eastern Niagara Animal Welfare Alliance is continuing their mission to help find homes to the cats and dogs in this community that need it.

The not-for-profit has been in existence since 2007 and take in animals, fosters them and adopts them out.

One of their goals is to give back to the community. They will be doing this on Sunday, Sept. 9, at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 Church St. in Lockport.

From 2 to 4 p.m., members of the community can bring their pet for a Blessing of the Animals. This free event is open to the public and a blessing will be given to each pet individually by Rev. James Hardy.

During the blessings there will be a photographer present taking pictures.

“We’re just really trying to underscore what we feel is important,” said Executive Director Bobbie Mael. “There are ways animals should be treated and they really can’t speak for themselves. They look to us for guidance.”

The Eastern Niagara Animal Welfare Alliance will also be holding their Blue Jean Black Tie Doggie Ball on Oct. 20. This event will take place at the Lockport Town and Country Club from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Mael said the event would feature a buffet dinner, basket raffle and a band. Dress wise, anything goes. She said some people might wear jeans and a tuxedo shirt and others will wear nice dresses.

“It’s a fun event,” said Mael.

There will also be a few adoptable pets at the event. The cost is $45 per person or $90 per couple. Those wishing to donate a basket for the raffle or to purchase tickets can call 434-0604.

Proceeds of event will go towards medical costs for animals and the building fund project.

Mael said they are planning on building a pet village in Wrights Corners.

The village would include different buildings that are breed specific that people can visit.

There will also be a fenced in doggie park in the back called Margaret’s Meadow, named in memory of her mother.

“She was a big animal supporter,” said Mael.

Another new initiative the Eastern Niagara Animal Welfare Alliance is doing is the Paws Pantry.

This pantry is designed to provide pet food or cat litter to the elderly or people on a fixed income.

Mael said they receive donations from various business that include dog food, dry cat food and clay litter.

Though not an unlimited supply, she said the Eastern Niagara Animal Welfare Alliance would like to give back to the community who feed cats and dogs even though they do not have much money for themselves, when they can.

Priority will be given to the elderly, then low-income households.

Those interested can call 434-0604 and leave their name, how many animals they have and describe their need.

“We’ll certainly do what we can,” said Mael. “We want to give back to the community who helps animals.”

The Paws Pantry will begin in September.

So far is 2012, the Eastern Niagara Animal Welfare Alliance has adopted out 106 dogs and more than 50 cats and kittens.

They can be found at Lockport’s PetSmart from 1 to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Those wishing to see the animals currently up for adoption can check petfinder.com.

For more information visit www.easternniagaraanimalwelfare.org.