Juicy Jack-o’-lanterns will soon be snacks for abandoned and unwanted animals at a farm rescue in Central Alberta.
4 Paws Dog Daycare, located at 5 4646 Riverside Dr., is collecting pumpkins until Sunday night for the sanctuary F.A.R.R.M., near Wetaskiwin.
Dog Daycare owner Tara Palardy said she is a fan of the many pigs at F.A.R.R.M. who devour pumpkins. The squash will also benefit the sanctuary’s goats, sheep and other animals.
“I called (F.A.R.R.M.) and asked if I could bring them some pumpkins. They can take everything we bring,” Palardy said on Tuesday.
It’s the first year 4 Paws has collected pumpkins, but is already planning to do it again next year.
“It gets pumpkins off of people’s porches so they’re not going bad, and you might as well recycle them. They’re just going to go into the landfill.”
She said people should make sure the pumpkins are not painted and to remove any accessories.
4 Paws Dog Daycare is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Last year Red Deer &District SPCA collected pumpkins for animal rescues, but it was not accepting pumpkins this year.