When 59 puppies and adult dogs were rescued by the B.C. SPCA from a disreputable breeding operation last August, animal lovers stepped up with funding and opened their homes. Among the many dog lovers were Sharon Lanser and the team at Sutton Group Seafair Realty in Richmond, B.C.

Working with the local parks department, Lanser organized a barbecue and silent auction in Richmond and the whole team pitched in. The event raised $1,600 to help nurse the neglected animals back to health.  Most are now cherished pets but Sharon knows that there is always more to do.

“I get involved in a few pet projects each year and plan to hold another Dog Fun Day with an auction,” says Lanser. “Helping out makes me feel whole. I organize and sponsor the event and gather auction items because I know the need continues.”

In 2015, the B.C. SPCA rescued 27,187 injured, homeless, neglected and abused animals (companion, farm and wild) and reunited 3,949 lost animals with their owner families.

Lanser also sponsors supplies such as doggie clean up bags for local parks. Her reward is the satisfaction of helping to keep the parks clean for everyone.

She supports a variety of other projects including Angel Flight, a charity that provides air transportation for cancer patients requiring medical services outside of their communities.