BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield Condors have made international headlines in its 25 years on and off the ice. One of their biggest accomplishments has been working with local organizations over the years in philanthropic endeavors.
On Friday night, the team will be helping out local non-profit animal rescue Pet Matchmaker. Since 2004, the rescue has saved about 5,000 animals. They currently have about 30 dogs up for adoption. They say buying a ticket for tonight's game can help keep their animals happy and healthy.
Ticket proceeds from tonight's condors game against the Ontario Reign will be donated to the rescue. In order to participate, you must buy them through Pet Matchmaker. The $23 ticket can go a long way.
"Regular maintenance stuff. Fix things here at the rescue. Just take care of things that need to be purchased or fixed in order to keep the animals safe and happy and healthy here," Sokolow said.
If you want to buy tickets, you can message Pet Matchmaker on Facebook or send them an e-mail. You can find their contact information on their website.
Morgan Sokolow is the Director of the rescue. She's currently watching two litters of puppies and several other bigger dogs who would otherwise be in a shelter. According to the humane society, an estimated 6 to 8 million animals enter shelters in the U.S. every year, and barely half are adopted.
"It's super important that people spay and neuter because with all these litters ending up at the shelter, the only option is euthanasia if rescues don't step in and help them," Sokolow said.
One of those saved by Pet Matchmaker is Bleu, a bulldog found starving and roaming the streets in Oildale.
"He was basically dead is what my vet said," Sokolow recalled, adding that Bleu would fit best in a single-pet home, with owners who can give him the care that all bulldogs require.
"He's an absolute dream with humans," she said.
Bleu will stay at Pet Matchmaker until the right home is found. But in order for the non-profit to keep doing what they're doing, they need funds.
