A Fort Smith party goes to the dogs

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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The Sebastian County Humane Society’s 15th annual Cause for Paws was held Friday (Aug. 5) at the Holiday Inn City Center and 300 tickets were sold for the event.

This year’s theme was Le Bone Appetit.

Last year’s event raised $20,000 with hopes of raising $40,000 this year according to JoAnn Barton, executive director of the Sebastian County Humane Society.

Happy hour began at 6:30 with signature drinks available. For the purchase of a $10 glass, limitless refills on doc-purries or bark-aritas were offered. After 7 p.m., the Fur De Lis Fashion Show featured 10 dogs which are up for adoption escorted down the catwalk by animal care technicians from the Humane Society.

All proceeds from the event go into the general operating fund for the shelter. The Sebastian County Humane Society houses 350-400 animals at any given time. The facility provides shelter, clean kennels, food, fresh water, veterinary treatment and tender loving care to every animal every day.

Repairs and purchases need to be made in order for these tasks to be accomplished. Items that need repairs are replacing drain covers in the admissions building to keep small dogs and puppies from sliding into them, replacement of rusted and broken kennel gates, and replacement of worn out sound speaker system so pages may be heard throughout the kennel and soft calming music can be played for the animals day and night just to name a few.

Following the fashion show, dinner was served buffet style. Key lime pie was a big hit with the attendees. After dinner, the live auction began with James Graham auctioneering. At times, as many as four bidders battled for the live auction items.

All dogs in the fashion show are available for adoption. 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.