Yellowknife (Sep 05/03) - Wanted: a few good homes for a few good pets.

To achieve that goal, look out Sept. 7 for a large group of dogs being walked through the city by some caring volunteers.

Janet Pacey, president of the NWT SPCA, sits with Diesel, a rottweiller in need of a good home. Diesel, along with other SPCA dogs will be participating in the annual dog jog, Sept. 7. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

The sixth annual SPCA dog jog fundraiser starts 1 p.m. Sunday. Society president Janet Pacey sees it as a great way to show off the SPCA dogs currently up for adoption.

"It is to raise money for the SPCA so we can fund our programs," Pacey said of the popular outing, which usually raises about $4,000.

"We fund an educational and awareness program, a spay/neuter rebate program and emergency medical care for animals," she said.

Pacey encourages all dog owners to gather pledges and participate in Sunday's event.

"It's also a good opportunity for other dog owners to meet," she said.

She says people relate to one another and form a comraderie when they have common interests, such as pets.

Yellowknife has a strong link to its SPCA. That fact is proven by the tremendous support the society has received since it first began in the 1980s.

"We used to have four members and now we have a very good base of people who regularly donate," Pacey said.

An important part of the society's work is to change the living standards for dogs.

"We're trying to change the perception that we're a town in the middle of nowhere and you can just let your dog run. You've got to have more respect for your animals and give them water, food, shelter and exercise," Pacey said.

Without a facility of its own, the SPCA uses the Great Slave Animal Hospital as a pound. In turn, the SPCA provides support to the clinic.

Currently, this kennel is filled to capacity.

"This means that no others can come in -- so what happens to those," she said.

She urges everyone to attend the event, which will have prizes and dog agility demonstration.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the community arena parking lot.

"It's a fun walk and a great idea to get your dog socialized with other dogs and a good excuse for your family to make more time for your pet," Pacey said.