A recent dog adoption fair and fundraiser in Elmwood helped out Winnipeg Lost Dog Alert, and gave one young girl her chance to shine.

Sprockett’s Doggy Day Camp at 7-795 Thomas Ave. was packed with dogs and dog lovers on March 9 as they came together to raise money for the group, which searches for lost dogs. As well, rescues from across the city brought dogs in hopes in finding new homes for them.

Sprockett’s owner, Theresa Moehring, said her business hosts two adoption fairs a month, and jumped at the chance to help out WLDA.

"There’s a nice turnout, and they do a really good job," she said of the March 9 event. "We like bringing awareness to the rescues, because a lot of people haven’t heard of these rescues."

As well, the day was a chance for nine-year-old Christina Sudoma to show off a project she’s been working on for years.

The young St. James resident, nicknamed Red for her flaming locks, has become well-known on the pet rescue scene. Since starting Christina’s Creations three years ago, Sudoma has raised over $2,000 for local pet rescues, helping to earn her the Winnipeg Humane Society’s first Dog Champion of the Year Award in 2012. She helped add to that total by selling crafts like picture frames, painted rocks, and magnets at the Winnipeg Lost Dog Alert (WLDA) adoption fair at Sprockett’s Doggy Day Camp on March 9.

Christina initially got the idea when her brother, Mike, started volunteering at Darcy’s A.R.C.

She was too young to join him, but wanted to find a way to contribute. She wrote "Happy endings never fades when a dog is in your life" and made a design on a piece of paper. Her mother, Deb, posted it to Facebook, and the positive response generated an idea to take things a step further.

"I made a bunch of pictures and raised money," said Christina, who has been crafting since she was three. "I gave it to Darcy’s and it just grew from there."

The family has four dogs at home, going through the "rigmarole", as Deb puts it, to get an excess animal permit. Christina said dogs hold a special place in her heart.

"You can cuddle with them, and they’re nice and fluffy," said Christina, noting the border collie is her favourite breed. "They’ll always be by your side."

Christina, who listed painting as her favourite craft, comes up with most of the sayings on her own, but does take suggestions. Her mother is thrilled to see the spirit  her daughter displays.

"I’m so proud," said Deb, an area co-ordinator for WLDA. "She’s a very loving, very giving little girl, and there’s nothing like seeing her face at the end of an adoption event when she hands in her money.

"It’s just awesome. It’s the best feeling ever."

Christina has been able to keep going with the project with help from the community, as she has had a sign, business cards, and crafting materials donated to help with the venture. She hopes to keep up with the project as long as possible.

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