We’re counting down to our first concert of the season, ANIMAL CRACKERS: A Concert For A Cause! Our partners are the fabulous folks at HART (Homeless Animals Rescue Team), who do amazing work.
HART is a no-kill animal rescue/support group that takes in and rehomes abused and unwanted dogs and cats. HART works with local veterinarians, trainers, foster homes, and kennels to provide temporary care for the pet until s/he is placed in a loving, carefully-screened forever home.
Nancy Tarr, executive director of HART took a few moments away from the four-leggeds to answer our questions.
VCS: What makes a great pet owner?
HART: A great pet owner has a commitment to making a pet a member of the family and will only take on the responsibility of pet ownership if they are prepared to provide the following:
- daily exercise and enrichment
- a quality diet
- adequate and consistent medical care
- plenty of love and affection
- TIME
VCS: Kids + pets = …..?
HART: There are many benefits to having pets as part of your family. Studies show that children who grow up with pets tend to develop fewer allergies due to exposure to common bacteria. Pets can also boost self esteem and lower stress AND they can teach your children about love and nurturing.
VCS: The smallest animal that came your way was?
HART: A Chihuahua.
VCS: The largest animal that came your way was?
HART: Pun, a giant black lab great dane mix that used to love to lounge in a swimming pool filled with ice cubes in the summer. We used to joke that his head was a big as an adult lion’s head.
VCS: The gentlest animal that came your way was?
HART: Coco. A black labradoodle who came from Roanoke Virginia after her elderly owner had to move to full time nursing care. Her owner loved her so much that she wrote a poem for Coco.
VCS: The one thing you want people to know about HART is?
HART saves hundreds of lives every year. Not only do we rescue, rehabilitate and re home needy dogs and cats, but we transport needy dogs and cats to other rescues – assuming all cost – in order to save even more. Each year HART rescues and places roughly 600 dogs and cats and transports to safety another 3-400. HART does not receive government funding and relies completely on the generous donations of our supporters. Every dollar makes a difference.
Tickets to ANIMAL CRACKERS – and 2015-16 season tickets – are available online. Adults/$25, Seniors(65+) and Students (15-18)/$20, Youth/Free – with a paying audience member. We’ll have tickets at the door too. Box office opens at 3:45 pm, doors will open at 4:20 pm.