The Playpen Pet Boarding and Grooming in Cranbrook is launching a fundraiser for local animal rescue agencies, that could also help save the lives of animal companions in the East Kootenay area.
The Cranbrook business has produced "In Case of Emergency" stickers for the windows and doors of pet owners' homes. These stickers allow emergency first responders to know that there are pets in the home, in case of an emergency.
Karla Shally, owner of the Playpen, saw the need for such an initiative during her career as a police officer in Calgary, where she saw such stickers and realized how useful they could be.
"I had seen these (stickers) on doors and at people's homes in Calgary," Shally said. "I did some research and thought it would be a good service and something people would want here."
A local printer produced the stickers, and the Playpen will be selling them for a donation (minimum $5 each). The fundraiser will continue for approximately nine months and all of the proceeds will go to local animal rescue agencies. The Playpen will donate the funds during Fire Prevention Week in October 2013.
Shally said the Playpen has always supported local animal rescue agencies, such as the SPCA in Cranbrook and ICAN (Invermere Animal Companion Network). The Playpen itself was voted one of the top 10 small businesses in B.C. last year through the BC Small Business Successful You initiative.
For more information or to donate contact The Playpen, phone 250-426-4000, 1545 Industrial Road F1, Cranbrook, or email www.theplaypencranbrook.com.