While many people are focused on the return to school and work, for the team at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter in Aldergrove the arrival of fall starts the clock counting down to its single largest fundraiser of the year.

It's only a few more sleeps until this year's Furry Tail Endings Gala, said shelter manager Sean Baker, who said a team of eight have been working since March to prepare for the fifth annual event.

But once September hits, all attention that isn't focused on caring for animals is concentrated on organizing the fundraiser that typically generates about $60,000 for Langley Animal Protection Society and its shelter.

The organizing committee is busy selling 450 tickets, as well as soliciting donations for the live and silent auctions that are expected to generate about $35,000 of this year's $65,000 goal.

"We are raising funds to support our ongoing programs, such as training for dogs, spay and neuter for cats, and special medical for shelter animals in need," Baker said. "We are also looking to continue to grow our capital fund to build our community education centre that will be used to provide education to the public, and offer training for dogs and volunteers."

This year, the gala is being held on Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre in Langley. Tickets are already for sale, and available for $100 until Oct. 21, at which time the price goes up to $125 - provided there are any available, said Baker, who noted the event has sold out almost every year.

Gala tickets are available at the shelter, at 26220 56th Ave. or by calling 604-857-5055.

DOG WASH AT TISOL SATURDAY

In the meantime, there are two fundraisers coming up that will also aid LAPS. The first is a dog wash set to run this Saturday, Sept. 22 during Tisol Pet Nutrition and Supply Store's customer appreciation event at the Langley Bypass location.

The day's festivities - which run from noon to 4 p.m. - will include a best dog trick contest, sample giveaways, a raffle for the Kensington Foundation for Animals in Crisis, and a dog wash with donations to LAPS.

FOOD FIRM PUSHES ADOPTIONS

Also on the books this week is the launch of the Pedigree Adoption Drive.

It kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 19 where a portion from the sale of "speciallymarked" Pedigree dry food will be donated to the causes.

In addition to the money raised, Pedigree's campaign is aimed at educating people to the benefits of adopting shelter dogs.

The campaign culminates at the end of the year, at which time Pedigree will be donating another $5,000 - which it has done for the past five years - to the Patti Dale Animal Shelter.

The campaign partner shelters, like the Patti Dale facility, can use the donation for any items required, including food, medical expenses, and operating costs, and and Baker said he is "eternally grateful" to Pedigree for its kindness.

Between January and June of this year, 307 dogs were brought into the local shelter, but only 60 were adopted.

Working with the local shelter, and others across Canada, Pedigree is embarking upon its fifth adoption drive to show that shelter dogs are good dogs.

Since the adoption campaign was started in 2008, Pedigree has raised more than $1 million for Canadian shelters.

. More online at www.langleyadvance.com

rhooper@langleyadvance.com