It’s all paws on deck for Sooke’s famous one-eyed pooch ‘Pirate Andy’ and his owner Joshua Rose, who are ready to embark on a high-stakes mission at sea.
The pair are hoping to net hundreds of dollars – maybe more – at the inaugural Halibut for Hounds fishing derby fundraiser, for a cause close to their hearts – Sooke-based animal rescue organization Salish Paws.
The rescue group came to Andy’s aid when he was found abandoned with a swollen eye, tied to a stop sign in Metchosin in January.
After surgery to remove the eye – paid for by donations from the public made to Salish Paws – Andy’s tale had a happy ending; finding a new home with Rose and his wife Gabriella.
“He's great,” said Rose. “He’s been running the house a little bit, so pretty spoiled sometimes, but he's been great. He's happy and healthy.”
But now they want to give back to Salish Paws.
"I did bottle drives after they helped Andy out, but I just felt like it wasn't enough,” said Rose. “And I love fishing, so I figured why not start a little halibut event to get some more people to raise some more money for them.”
Halibut for Hounds, organized with the help of Cristina Armstrong from the Stewards of Sc’ianew Society, will take place on Sunday June 1, from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thousands of dollars worth of prizes are on offer for all ticket holders, while for the overall winner, the grand prize is 50 per cent of ticket sales. The remainder of the pot will be donated to Salish Paws.
The fundraiser has been enthusiastically welcomed by Linda Watson from Salish Paws.
“The amount of thought and effort that has gone into organizing this derby really shows the kind of heart that both Joshua and Cristina have,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful, kind thing to do.
“We are overwhelmed, really. And yes, so very grateful."
Rose and Pirate Andy will be managing the weigh-in at Cheanuh Marina – a chance for locals to meet the furry celebrity, who also has his own Instagram page ‘Life with Pirate Andy’, managed by Rose’s wife Gabriella.
Entry costs $50 and Rose will be selling tickets at Cheanuh Marina on Friday May 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. “The draw prizes are for anybody holding a ticket, so even if you don't fish, you can still win draw prizes,” says Rose, in an attempt to lure those not so keen to go out on the water.
Tickets are also available via email: attncristina@gmail.com.
More information about Halibut for Hounds can be found on Facebook or by emailing Rose at: joshualrose@outlook.com.
