Clawing their way to the top

With the echo of barks and meows as its soundtrack, the South Windsor Animal Hospital gave back to the community with its annual Trim Claws for a Cause charity event.

The event, which is in its sixth year, sought to raise money and canned goods for the Downtown Mission, by offering free claw trims for cats, dogs and small animals. The admission fee was four canned goods per pet.

In addition to claw trims, the event offered a bake sale, access to a rock climbing wall, a children’s colouring contest and a raffle.

The event also included guests such as the OPP, Windsor Fire Services and other local businesses.

Kim Quinn, a veterinarian at the South Windsor Animal Hospital said that the event first came about as a result of her colleague’s charitable background.

“Our head technician Christie, she’s always been very involved in raising money for different charities and she decided well why don’t we spearhead something here at the clinic itself, using what we already are doing well, which is nail trims,” said Quinn.

This decision to create this charity event, established a platform for other animal businesses in Windsor to get involved with the community, such as Kelly French, animal behaviourist and owner of Animal Antics Behaviour Centre.

French agrees with Quinn, that the Trim Claws for a Cause event is a great way to utilize an already established skill in order to help out the community.

Last year’s event helped to net the South Windsor Animal Hospital over $250 as well as hundreds of pounds of cans. Quinn said she hoped to outdo those numbers this year.

Regardless of the numbers, Sunday’s event still got the seal of approval from participants such as Dawn Comerford.

“Everybody should come and experience it,” said Comerford.

Ultimately, the event brought together citizens and organizations alike, in a unified effort to address a vulnerable community.