Sidney Crosby attends Humane Society fundraiser. Sort of (13 photos)

Providing the proper care to keep stray dogs happy and healthy while they wait for a new home is what the Humane Society is all about.

Plenty of perky pooches and playful puppies showed up with their owners at Kinsmen Park on Saturday afternoon to lend a helping paw to a good cause.

"Without this event we would be unable provide the care we need for animals at our shelter," said Cindy Ross, Humane Society manager. "From injury to disease, to spay and neutering, every penny makes a big difference."

The 16th annual Cause for Paws Dog Walk Humane Society fundraiser drew large crowds to help ensure local dogs get the veterinary care they need.

Ross said the event raised around $30,000 and without the yearly financial boost they would have to resort to euthanizing animals they are unable to find homes for.

Currently, the Humane Society shelters around 15 dogs and over 100 cats.

"This event saves the lives of local animals," she said.

Hoping to salvage the upcoming NHL season, Ashley Fecteau and her purebred yorkie, appropriately named Sidney Crosby, are holding out hope for hockey this season.

"I'm extremely depressed right now," said Fecteau. "We're big fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins and want nothing more than to see Sidney Crosby play hockey."

Barring a last-minute miracle deal, the NHL will lock their players out for the second time in eight years when the clock strikes midnight.

After failed attempts to establish a dog park on Topsail Island, a new leash-free activist group has cast their eyes on reaching an agreement with the city for the former Humane Society site on Second Line.

The Legal off Leash dogs group of Sault Ste. Marie - otherwise known as LOLDOGS - is trying to raise $70,000 for construction and upkeep of a potential dog park.

They had a booth displayed with information about dog parks for the Humane Society event.

A leash free dog park would provide a fenced-in area for dogs to roam around under the supervision of their owners.

"It's a great way for dogs to socialize and play with each other," said Linda Bassanello, LOLDOGS treasurer.

To find out more about the LOLDOGS movement they can be found online at www.loldogs.ca.