Calgary Humane Society helping more pets as economy struggles

The Calgary Humane Society is helping more and more animals in the city.

Spokesperson Sage Pullen McIntosh saidthe organizationhelped more than 7,000 animals in Calgary last year,up from approximately5,000in2014.

"We are seeing those numbers increase every year, mostly due to economy. So fundraisers like this are so important for us to help those animals every day," she said, speaking at the annual Dog Jog event in South Glenmore Park on Saturday.

Helping out

Hundreds of dogs and their owners were out for the event, which aimed to raise at least $105,000 for the Humane Society and for those helping animals in Fort McMurray.

At the nearby Lakeview Community Association, Diane Smith spent Saturday collecting food, treats and kitty litter for thosewho can't afford to properly care for their pets.

"I can't even imagine having to give my pet up because of finances," she said."So I created this day to help as many pets... and I'm going to cry...as many pets and their families."

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