Kanetoberfest helps keep pups in loving homesDate: 9/27/2017
WEST SPRINGFIELD – This year, a local organization battling canine homelessness will bring its signature event to West Springfield.
Kane’s Krusade, which strives to keep dogs in their homes with loving owners and out of shelters and off the streets, will host its third annual Kanetoberfest at the Morgan Road Pavilion for the first time on Oct. 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kanetoberfest is the “hallmark event” for nonprofit headquartered in Springfield, according to Founder and President Kim George, and the new location allows the event to grow.
“This is the largest outdoor fall family fun day event for animals,” George said. “The Morgan Road Pavilion offers us so many options.”
For six years, Kane’s Krusade has hosted an outdoor event to support these endeavors, with Kanetoberfest coming to be three years ago.
This year’s fundraiser will feature a beer garden for the first time, featuring White Lion Brewing Company, in addition to live music, food trucks such as Auntie Kathy’s Kitchen, Holyoke Hummus Company, Pierce Bros Coffee and Mr. Whippey Ice Cream. Events and activities for both kids and dogs (well-behaved dogs are very welcome) will take place and there will be adoptable dogs on site. Several nonprofit and local business vendors will also be on hand.
A live auction will also be offered this year. Those who cannot make the event can still participate online by reviewing the items and placing their bid at www.BidForKanes.com.
Kane’s Krusade came to be after George’s rescue dog Tess was diagnosed with cancer and George was forced to refinance her house in order to pay the medical expenses. Realizing that many families with pets experience hardships that force them to either surrender or abandon animals, she launched the nonprofit, named after her other rescued dog Kane, in 2011.
Kane’s Crusade uses a multi-pronged approach to achieve its mission. The first aspect, George explained, was surrender prevention, which focuses on helping low income families and those living in poverty with basic necessities. Kane’s Krusade provides these necessities through the distribution of C.A.R.E. (Canine Assistance, Resources and Empowerment) Kits. Approximately 80 dogs are served by these kits each month.
“For many families, the dog is part of the family and in some cases, like those who are elderly and on a fixed income, their dog might be their only companion,” George said. “So when people are struggling, these kits help them provide what they need for their furry family members.”
Kane’s Krusade also addresses what George called “harm reduction.” The organization shares information and resources that help people understand how to better care for their animals. For example, she said, Kane’s Krusade has worked with many people on the issue of keeping dogs outside, especially in inclement weather. While she said the primary goal is to keep dogs inside as much as possible to protect them from the elements, she acknowledged some people and families must keep their dogs outside for longer periods of time and that some dogs actually prefer being outside. In these cases, Kane’s Krusade can provide custom dog houses, called Kondos, which are fully insulated.
The nonprofit also believes in advocating for tenants.
“In this area, there is a lack of dog-friendly apartments,” George said. “This is a huge reason why dogs are surrendered.”
Tickets are $8 for adults in advance and $12 at the gate. Children under 12 may enter free of charge. Also, Kane’s Krusade is offering a special online offer called the “pile in,” meaning a car load can enter for a flat fee of $25. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.kanetoberfest.com.
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