Harbor Cruises Go to the Dogs for Pet Rescue Day on the Big Bay

Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

The dog days of summer are getting off to an early start on Thursday, May 14. Port of San Diego tenant Hornblower Cruises and Events will host the 9th Annual Pet Rescue Day on the Bay, which will benefit Helen Woodward Animal Center. With the donation of a gently used blanket or towel, pet owners and their dogs can cruise for free on any one-hour harbor cruise.

The first available cruise is at 10 a.m. and the last cruise is at 4:15 p.m. Items will be collected from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1066 North Harbor Drive on the San Diego Embarcadero. The event is sponsored in part by PETCO, Frosty Paws® Frozen Treats for Dogs and the Port of San Diego.

"I dreamed up Pet Rescue Day when one Christmas I called the (Helen Woodward Animal) Center to see if they needed any help," said Hornblower Director of Marketing, Rebecca Milkey. "I didn't have any money, but my heart was in the right place. They said, 'We can always use towels and blankets for the kittens and puppies and for the bedding in the concrete cages.' I was so happy I could do something that was in my ‘ability to help."

"This is a special event that brings people together to make the lives of orphaned animals better," said John Van Zante, public relations manager for Helen Woodward Animal Center. "For almost 10 years, we have collected enough towels and blankets to last us all year and its fun for the pets to be allowed out on Hornblower's boat too."

The Center uses those blankets and towels when puppies and kittens are born. They also place them in kennels for the orphaned dogs to sleep on. Any dog or cat food that is donated will also be put to good use, by the Center's Ani-MEALS program. If you're interested in adopting one of the Center's animals, a representative will be on site to answer questions. Last year, more than 2,000 blankets and towels were collected.

Pet Rescue Day is the only time dogs can cruise on Hornblower, except for September 20, when dogs cruise free on the Bow Wow Brunch Cruise. Doggie bags are available on board and special receptacles provided to clean up after pets. All dogs taking the cruise must be on a leash.

Cruise departures are at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3 p.m. & 4:15 p.m. For more information about the event, visit Hornblower Cruises & Events online or call 619-686-8700.

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