Offering H.E.L.P. for area canines

COEUR d'ALENE - Help welcome H.E.L.P. to town.

That's Help Every Little Paw, the newest nonprofit in Kootenai County dedicated to the health and happiness of pets.And to help get its name out, there's a party planned for Saturday.

Dogs invited."This is our, 'hello, here we are' event," said Holly Hansen, board member for the nonprofit that earned its 501(c)3 status last week after a year and half of work.

The group is hosting its inaugural fundraiser, Bark Fest - think Oktoberfest but for pooches - from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Sunset Mall parking lot off U.S. 95 and Sunset Avenue.Contests, such as dog Olympics, dog and owner look alike showdowns, cutest bark, best bark and highest jumper will give dogs lots to do. But plenty of activities are planned for their owners, too, such as booths and vendors, food and beer options, a silent auction, and coloring contests for kids.

Auction items include hotel stays at pet-friendly hotels and pet resort grooming gift certificates. They'll also raffle off a gigantic, stuffed horse. Ruby Frog Entertainment will be on hand for live entertainment, too.How's that for an introduction?

"We're kind of different than the other nonprofit organizations," Hansen said. "We're more of a fundraiser."The group's goals are to rescue abandoned, stray or neglected animals and to provide them medical attention, as well as spay and neuter programs and socialization rehabilitation, by raising funds for facilities already in the area that provide those services.

By helping bridge the financial gap, owners will be more likely to take better care of their pets.The organization, established by a group of local pet advocates, started as idea around five years ago, but the real work behind it kicked into gear just over a year ago. Their status was officially cemented last week.

Saturday will help celebrate that achievement, as well as provide an opportunity to say, "Hi."Information: Karen Hansen, 659-6408