Waggin’ for Dragons races Saturday, Aug. 3, aid Front Royal animal shelter

Eight teams are ready to paddle on the Shenandoah in support of the county Humane Society and Wagner Animal Shelter. Courtesy Photo HSWC

The Julia Wagner Animal Shelter in Front Royal has a busy time ahead of it this summer, including the popular “Waggin’ for Dragons” boat race on the Shenandoah River this coming Saturday, August 3.

Eight boats containing 20 paddlers in each compete for “honor and glory” again this year in one of the Humane Society of Warren County’s (HSWC) major fundraisers. Some $16,000 alone will be donated by boat sponsors and the individual paddlers.

The competitors this year, who will practice Wednesday through Friday prior to Saturday’s race, are: Winchester Petco (the Petco Foundation is the major sponsor of the event); “Legally High” launched by the High Knob Community Association; “Good Neighbors,” representing the two State Farm Insurance agencies in Front Royal; the “Rotary River Dogs” representing the area’s three Rotary clubs; “Paws for a Cause” sponsored by Veterinary Surgical Centers; the “Jason Poe for Sheriff” paddlers; the “Premier Paddlers” representing Coldwell Banker; and the “Next Homies” representing Next Home Realty.

The races may be viewed from the Front Royal Golf Club property with transportation provided by the Front Royal Trolley and a County school bus from the Walmart store parking lot starting at 8:30 a.m.

The Humane Society of Warren County’s Wagner Shelter Executive Director, Meghan Bowers, also drew attention to August 17 and the national “Clear the Shelters” adoption event in which the HSWC will participate. Animals will be available for adoption throughout that day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Also, with “kitten season” already here, the shelter is seeking people/families to provide foster care for kittens that overwhelm the shelter at this time. “The HSWC will provide everything you need,” Bowers said.

It is ‘kitten season’ and the Wagner Shelter is looking for help in either temporary to permanent housing for some lovable younger cuties. Royal Examiner File Photos/Roger Bianchini

New volunteer orientation classes for adults (16 and over) are scheduled for three Sundays, August 11; September 8; and October 13, at the Progress Drive shelter at 2:30 p.m. For children (10 to 15) to become active volunteers, orientation dates are Wednesday, September 4, and Wednesday, October 2, both at 5:30 p.m.