Bide Awhile celebrates 50 years of rescuing animals
Posted Oct 3, 2019 08:37:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Bide Awhile is celebrating a half century of caring for lost and abandoned animals.
The independent animal shelter will be throwing a party this weekend to mark the occasion.
“We want to make this a day for everyone that's supported us over the last 50 years, our members, our friends, our family,” said the non-profit organization's executive director Sehne Connell.
“It's open to the community, anyone who has supported us or would like to come, join us on Saturday.”
They'd also like to hear from members of the public with a memory of the shelter or an adoption story.
Bide Awhile was one of Nova Scotia's first no-kill shelters.
“No matter what the situation is with the animal, we want to make sure they get a home at the end of the day,” Connell said. “Historically we've had a few animals that have stayed quite a while with us, but that's okay. They have somebody out there who will eventually come in and give them a home.”
Some of the animals that end up at the shelter are abandoned, others are brought there by people whose circumstances have changed and they have to move.
Connell said those looking to adopt are asked several questions about their situation so they can find a good match.
“Do they have children? Do they have dogs? Do they have a cat? And then give them some advice.”
The Bide Awhile building has a large open area where dogs can run around and play. They also host cat yoga in the space.
“And we're really proud of our open concept cat room upstairs, which can hold about 25 to 30 cats that we socialize. They come out of the cages during the day so they can move around,” Connell said. “People can come in, move through them and see which one speaks to them.”
Those who go to the anniversary party will be able to tour the facility and enjoy cake and refreshments.
“We're also excited to unveil our new mural downstairs in the community room depicting our history and some of the pretty eventful things that have happened over the past 50 years,” said Connell.
The party goes Saturday, Oct. 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 67 Neptune Crescent in Dartmouth.
