Pooches prance at Sebastian County Humane Society event

Dancing dogs on runways were the highlight of the 16th annual Cause for Paws held Friday night by he Sebastian County Humane Society.

The event, held at the Holiday Inn City Center in downtown Fort Smith, kicked off with a happy hour at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Fur de Lis Fashion Show at 7p.m. with 10 adoptable dogs prancing their stuff on the runway escorted by care technicians from the center.

Following the fashion show, dinner was served buffet style. After dinner, the live auction began with two different get away prize packages, a bracelet by Newton's, and a catered dinner for twenty just to name a few.

The popular doc-purries and bark-aritas were again a big hit with the guests. For the purchase of a $15 glass, guests enjoyed limitless refills. T-shirts were also for sale that supported tonight's event for $10.

All proceeds from tonight's benefit go into the general operating fund for the shelter. Last year's event grossed just short of $20,000 with hopes to raise $20,000 this year according to JoAnn Barton, executive director of the Sebastian County Humane Society.

More than 300 patrons came out to support the event that included a fashion show, buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, signature drinks, and music by Larry B.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.