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Kittens invade local yoga studio for a cause

Money raised at Cats on Mats will primarily be used towards subsidized spay and neuter programs

BY KALISHA MENDONSA

Lacombe Express

Over 20 small, fluffy friends recently joined in on local yoga classes for an evening in support of Whisker Rescue Society.

The Cats on Mats event featured curious kittens and charmed yogis at LacOMbe Yoga this week, with donations totalling $288 towards Whiskers Rescue.

Stacey Worobetz, founder of Whisker Rescue Society, was on hand at the event to take some time to relax with her yoga but also to engage with locals in the hopes of finding new homes for some of the rescues.

“The exposure from this event is amazing, and it’s so much fun. We’ve never had such great fundraisers where people get to see cats in their best light. They’re charming and sweet and playful - if people haven’t seen cats in this light it really shows that fun side of them and what buddies cats can be. It’s a very special fundraiser,” she said happily.

She said despite the economic downturn, Whisker Rescue has still been able to adopt out an average of about 40 cats per month.

“We have a subsidized spay and neuter program and with this economy that helps a lot of people adopt a new friend,” she added.

The money raised at the Cats on Mats event will primarily be used towards the subsidized spay and neuter program.

Whisker Rescue Society tries to engage often with Central Alberta non-profits, sports teams and businesses to help get their animals noticed in the community and eventually into new homes.

However, Worobetz said these events are pure fun and she’s glad people come out to support, whether or not they end up adopting.

“The bottom line of any of our events is not necessarily adoptions that day or getting any money, but it’s about connecting with people and sharing our love for kitties. People really react to it and it’s very heartwarming. If we walked out of this building tonight with $20, that wouldn’t even matter to us. It’s just so much fun being able to do events like this,” she said.

“We are so elated and proud when people want to adopt our cats. It’s really the icing on the cake for any event if we know one of these cats has found a good home. The adoptions make you proud of what you do and makes you very happy to be part of a rescue.”

Whisker Rescue Society will be hosting two more fundraisers during the first two weeks of December. The group will have volunteers posted at Global Pet Foods in town for some photos with Santa.

As well, the organization hosts smaller adoption events at Central Alberta pet stores, expo event and more.

LacOMbe Yoga owner Tiffany Rose said the events will continue to happen as long as there is a demand for them.

“This is the second Cats on Mats event that we’ve done, and we do these because we understand that many rescue societies are overwhelmed with animals, especially with the economy being what it is,” Rose said.

“Spay and neuters are a big expense for our shelters, so we’re happy to raise money for that. Getting the kittens out and letting people see them and hopefully get them adopted creates room for other cats through the winter, and that’s a big motivator for us.

“As well, I’m a huge animal lover so I’m happy to do what I can in the community for animal rescues.”

kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com