On Saturday, July 28th, Englewood Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS), hosted their Pampered Pets event. The event offered local residents a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional and often expensive pet care services. The event took place at the EARS store and adoption center at 145 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, from 10am to 4pm.

Due to the success of this event and the need for convenient grooming, EARS has decided to offer this service to the community on the last Saturday of every month. All proceeds from this monthly event will go directly towards caring for the animals that are rescued by EARS.

The public was offered microchipping, pet bathing, nail clipping and professional grooming at low prices for each service. An overall pet evaluation was offered for free and customers could then choose which services they wanted. Customers were also able to purchase a hot dog and cold drink and shop the on-site thrift store while their pets were being pampered.

EARS spokesperson and board member, Bobbi Austin, said, “This is a win-win for everyone. Pet care can be very expensive and with the current state of the economy, people need to find a more cost-effective solution. This service will also help people that are physically unable to do some of the tasks involved in grooming a pet."

Deva Ballantyne, shelter manager and board member said, “We have such a great group of volunteers, we could never do these events without them. These people give an extraordinary amount of time and effort to help save the animals. They are truly wonderful.”

EARS is a non-profit, no-kill shelter that rescues unwanted, stray, abandoned or abused domestic cats and dogs in Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. For further information, please call 941-681-3877 or 941-475-0636