The 14th annual Cause for Paws brings out the best dressed pets

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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The Sebastian County Humane Society held its 14th annual Cause for Paws with the night kicking off at 7 with a Vanity Furr fashion show with adoptable dogs prancing their stuff with models from Maurice’s on the runway.

All proceeds from the benefit go into the general operating fund for the shelter.

More than 300 patrons came out to support the event that included a fashion show, buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, signature drinks, the Pet Pawtrait contest and music by Oreo Blues.

This was the largest turnout for this event, and organizers hoped to raise $35,000.  This was the first time that Maurice’s and Cause for Paws combined their efforts to put on this event. Maurice’s is selling pet charms and also accepting donations at their store with all proceeds going to the Sebastian County Humane Society.

The purpose of the society is to prevent cruelty of animals, the relief of suffering among animals, placement of animals in responsible homes, and the extension of humane education. The Sebastian County Humane Society was established in 1937 and has provided care for unwanted animals for more than 70 years. Officials say it is the largest Humane Society in Arkansas.

Dogs in the fashion show were dressed by B-Paws, a mother-daughter company. Bell, a 2-year-old poodle, was dressed in an original Cinderella design in a happy yellow bridal satin and ultra feminine tulle with her peplum waist accented with tiny multi colored satin roses. In all princess stories, she was looking for a fairy tale ending.  As of last night, no one had adopted her.

With costs of $15 per animal a day in the shelter and with as many as 400 to 500 animals in the shelter at any given time, the SCHS must rely on private donations because they are not federally or state funded. All animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

Those who want to support the SCHS may donate kitten or puppy food, pet food, old blankets, etc., money, volunteer time, choose a pet from the shelter, keep current identification on your pet at all times, spay or neuter your pet, report animal cruelty and instruct your children in how to care for their pets.

There is an $80 fee for those adopting a pet to help pay for the expenses of spaying or neutering, microchipping and vaccinations of your chosen pet.