THUNDER BAY — Pups were the centre of attention on Saturday, celebrating Valentine's Day with a smile at the camera.
Ungalli Clothing Co. partnered with Jamie Dawn Photography to present a Valentine's Pup-Up Photoshoot fundraiser supporting Thunder Bay Humane Society.
For a minimum of a $20 donation, dog owners could drop by Ungalli Clothing Co. with their dogs and get professional pictures taken.
“All the proceeds go to the animals in our care. We also have on-site screen printing from Ungalli. There is also a kissing booth for dogs, so it's going to be a great time,” said Stephanie Folino, community engagement coordinator for the Humane Society.
Folino said there is no set fundraising goal, but the more they can raise, the better.
“We are full currently, so any funds that we can receive, we'll definitely take. We've currently been dealing with a lot of medical cases especially, so we have been really pushing for fundraising,” said Folino.
She said the community support for the Humane Society is “unreal."
“I love how much people love their animals and how much they love supporting non-for-profits. I think it's such a fun thing because I love love and I love Valentine's Day and it's just amazing,” said Olsen.
Jamie Olsen, owner of Jamie Dawn Photography, said she was asked to be a part of the Pup-Up Photoshoot and also has a rescue.
"I thought it was a great cause. I think it's good to have these events, it goes towards a good cause. It's quick, so you get those photos with your animals you don't normally get to do that, so I think that's also a good opportunity,” she said.
Olsen said she’d be interested in holding another photoshoot similar to this one in the future.
“I loved working with the Humane Society. They've been really great as well as Ungalli — everyone's been great, so hopefully more in the future, more dogs,” she said.
Hailey Buosi, owner of Ungalli, hopes events like this encourage people to adopt from the shelter rather than pursue other options.
“My family has gotten a lot of dogs from the shelter over the years and they're just the best dogs," said Buosi.
"We have a huge space in our back warehouse. I think showing organizations like the Humane Society support is really important for businesses to be involved, to help get all the dogs' homes, promoting them through events like this."
It was a walk-in style, Buosi said, organizers weren’t sure how busy it’d get until there was a line before it opened.
Folino said the “Humane Society is currently full for dogs. (We) have about 20 waiting for (their) forever homes, so take a peek at our website and hopefully, we can find you your new best friend.”
