During two weeks in August West Seattle Thriftway at California and Morgan Street holds their "Dog Days of Summer" promotion and raise funds for The Seattle Humane Society and other local animal welfare programs.

This weekend's BBQ proceeds benefit the Seattle / King County Humane Society, they are serving freshly grilled Natural Angus Burgers with chips and a drink and hot dogs for the kids. They are asking for a suggested donation of $7 (or more if you can). If you bring a donation of dog or cat food or dog or cat supplies (toys, leashes, flea medication, beds etc) they will drop the suggested donation to $5.

All dog and or cat food and supplies will go to the Seattle Humane Society's pet food bank.

If you do not want the meal, you can still donate any amount inside the store through the checkstand, and you will be provided with a receipt.

Thritway's Michelle Grasso offers a little history:

"What started as a small promotion by a store full of animal lovers has grown into something that is actually making a difference. Over the past eight years since we have been holding this promotion our wonderful customers have helped us raise nearly $18,000 and we have brought in over 600 lbs of pet food in the last 3 years we have held food / supply drives. Because we are an independent store there is no corporate "middleman", these funds are picked up by a representative and go directly from us to the charity for maximum benefit to those cute little fuzzy or scaly creatures in need."

Upcoming events at the store: MaxMobile Pet adoptions AND CityDog Magazine will be there at noon on 8/21. CityDog will be holding their annual "Cover Dog Model Search" the entry fee is $10 and will benefit The Doney Memorial Pet Clinic.

Grasso said, "Our BBQ last week raised $410, which is great, but pales in comparison to years past. While speaking with an adoption coordinator from the humane society recently, I asked what they see the most as far as intakes. Aside from usual strays, what they see most disturbing and in comparison to the past is the vast increase in the amount of people having to give up their pet due to lack of money to care for it. In the past when times were not as tough, people were more willing to donate to causes more freely, now things have changed and more than ever these animal organizations need our help."