By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
Many know Bulldogs can be expensive to acquire, but they don’t realize how expensive they can be to care for properly.
Groups like Buckeye Bulldog Rescue take in abandoned or surrendered dogs, and then must absorb the costs to care for them. To help support the hundreds of English and French Bulldogs the non-profit has rescued, the nonprofit is hosting its 3rd annual Reunion and Picnic as a way to not only raise funds and awareness for the group, but provide an opportunity for volunteers, supporters and followers to get together for a day of socializing, eating and shopping.
The picnic will take place from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Westgate Park, 455 S. Westgate Ave., Columbus. The event will include a silent auction, raffle baskets, a caricature artist, balloon twister and prizes, as well as a 2K run or walk that begins at noon.
There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome, including well-mannered, leashed pups.
Jessica Fawley, president and founder of Buckeye Bulldog Rescue, says the Grove City-based group has rescued and rehomed nearly 300 English and French Bulldogs in three years of the organization’s existence. The group averages around $1,000 per dog in medical expenses for each dog rescued.
“This is one of our larger events we host each year and we hope it will just continue to get bigger and bigger,” she said.
Proceeds from the picnic and run/walk go directly toward the rehabilitation and rehoming of current and future bulldogs in desperate need of a new start, said Amy Moore-Ramirez, a board member with Buckeye Bulldog Rescue.
“Some people walk with their bulldogs even, and all dogs are welcome,” she said.
In addition to receiving sponsorship for the event from organizations such as the VCA Animal Hospital, Westgate Farmers Market, Westgate Neighbors Association, Pet People and others, the group also utilizes a Crowdrise account to ask for monetary donations to support the walkers and runners.
To donate, go to crowdrise.com and search for Buckeye Bulldog Rescue or “3rd Annual Running of the Bullies Run/Walk & Reunion.” Donations to the group also are accepted via paypal using the group’s website at buckeyebulldogrescue.org or by sending a check to Buckeye Bulldog Rescue, P.O. Box 641, Grove City, OH 43123.
So far, the organization has raised more than $6,000 in advance for the event, but hopes to raise $10,000, Fawley said.
“The public is welcome to come out and mingle with us – or more than likely, the Bulldogs – and we encourage it,” she said.
RSVP for the Sept. 17 fundraising event is appreciated, and can be done so by emailing info@buckeyebulldogrescue.org.
