Katie makes her stage debut at Cause for Paws

More than 300 animal lovers came out to help support Cause for Paws Pawpurrazzi, A Purrfect Pawty. The fundraiser for the Sebastian County Humane Society included a fashion show, buffet style dinner, silent and live auctions, and music by Shades of Red.

The event was held Friday night (Aug. 2) at the Holiday Inn City Center, and 11 dogs participated in the runway show with most of the dogs showing nervousness as they began to strut their stuff. Care technicians escorted the dogs down the runway.  

Katie, a one-year-old Maltese mix, was brought to the shelter as a stray. She weighs 10 pounds. Katie was one of the lucky dogs who had a lot of interest shown in her with hopes of her being adopted.  

Most of the dogs in the fashion show have been brought to the shelter either as a stray or because their owners are unable to care for them.

The live auction began with some auction items that included a Top Gun Experience Package, 2014 CMA Awards package, 2014 Master's Golf Tournament Package, Seaside Escape Package in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Wine Escape Package in Sonoma, California, a Florida Island Package in Key West, and  2014 Super Bowl Tickets.

“Last year's event grossed $20,000 with hopes to raise $40,000 this year. We didn't quite meet our goal, but we did better than last year,” said JoAnn Barton, executive director of the Sebastian County Humane Society.

All proceeds from the event will 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. 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 society admits abused, ill and injured animals. They adopt out happy, healthy, well adjusted animals to good homes. Every animal adopted is spay/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Caring for the animals costs about $15 a day for each animal in the shelter. The shelter receives no state or federal funding. Those who want to support the SCHS may donate dry dog and cat food, clay kitty litter, volunteer to walk dogs, play with cats, bathe and brush animals, or foster an animal.