Heather Jobe and the Golden Paddle Winners
Petawawa Point Beach was the scene Sunday of the 5th annual “Doggy Paddle” sponsored by End of the Leash to benefit the Renfrew County SPCA.
Two legged participants and their four legged friends paddled leisurely around the Ottawa River warming up for the Team relay race for the coveted Golden Paddle which is the highlight of the event.
Team myFM led by General Manager Melissa Siegel flanked by her sons William and Nicholas and Sales Rep Sarah-Shea Cove paddled to a hard fought second place while the boys from NS Contracting took first place as well as the Golden trophy and bragging rights for the year.
Organizer Heather Jobe of the Renfrew County SPCA has been looking forward to this event since last year and she says the relay race is really what makes the day:
Audio PlayerTwenty six year veteran SPCA volunteer Lea Thompson was on hand and she says that amidst all the fun of the day its important to remember why the funds raised are so necessary:
Audio PlayerThe goal, according to Jobe, was to raise $17,000 for the SPCA but that amount was surpassed which topped off a perfectly planned and well attended day at the beach for humans and pets alike.
Thompson says she was particularly pleased with the turnout of young folks at this years event which she hopes will become a trend going forward:
Audio PlayerParticipants were treated to a catered lunch free of charge with plenty of cold refreshments to keep folks hydrated. Music was provided by Adam Fieldhouse and there were plenty of vendors to round out the sweltering Sunday.
Devin Keenan, Advanced Care Paramedic with the County of Renfrew Sierra Team along with Team partner Matt Hamilton were present keeping an eye on humans and pets alike on the water. Devin says that its important to show their support for events such as these and helped to make sure they go off safely:
Audio PlayerOrganizers are already looking forward to next years event when the Team from NS Contracting will be there to defend their title. If you want to learn more abut the amazing work done by the Renfrew County SPCA please click the link below.
(Written By: Richard Evans)