“A lot of the veterinary services, they just weren’t available,” Tsernoglou said. “If the animals weren’t doing well, they either had to be taken by foster rescues or were put to sleep.”

As Tsernoglou and other golfers trekked across the green Saturday morning, dogs at the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter waited for their daily walk. Miles apart, the golfers helped care for dogs and cats at the shelter by participating in the outing at College Fields Golf Club, 3800 Hagadorn Road, in Okemos.

The proceeds will help pay for food, shelter and veterinary care for the animals.

Around 40 golfers attended and about $3,000 was raised for the shelter through participation and sponsorships, said Jessica McNally, a clerk at the shelter.

“We’re just happy to support the animal shelter,” said James Ensign, a golfer and St. Johns resident. “Obviously, they’re providing a need for the whole county and community.”

The charity outing was more than another chance for participants to practice their golf skills, the club’s Head Golf Professional Chris Hallead said.

“If we get to help with fundraisers, it’s a pleasure for us because it’s a way to help the community as well,” Hallead said.

With the Animal Care Fund, sick dogs and cats in the shelter have access to medical treatment — a step in the process of adoption.

The additional money from the fundraiser will help, especially as more and more animals are being admitted to the shelter, McNally said.

“We have a lot of animals brought in,” she said. “We (are) at full capacity.”

More than 3,500 animals are helped at the shelter each year, such as Honey Bear, a tan pitbull and Lipstick, a yellow-eyed cat, who are currently up for adoption.

“All those animals before probably wouldn’t have had a chance without (the Animal Care Fund),” Tsernoglou said. “So I think it helps a lot.”