Fur Ball fundraiser benefits City Shelter

Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) presents its third annual Fur Ball Saturday 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (4728 Constitution Ave.).

“It is going to be a very festive and fun event this year with the inaugural FurBall court,” says event chair Erin Reynaud. “A king and queen will be announced that night. The canine court will bring enthusiasm and even more excitement to this event.”

At the optional black tie affair, canines’ companions can also enjoy live entertainment, bid on silent auction items and enter a raffle for 18-karat gold and pave set of diamond earrings. Meanwhile, pups can follow their noses to Petz Plaza’s spa, which offers on-site fluffing and buffing for Fido.

Last year’s Fur Ball was a howling success. Besides providing its pups and patrons with a posh party, the event raised nearly $90,000 for animal welfare. This year, Reynaud says the committee hopes the Fur Ball will yield $150,000.

CAA is the nonprofit contracted by the Metro Council to run the city’s open-intake animal shelter. Its mission is to reduce the number of animals entering the shelter, treat animals well while they are in the shelter’s care and find those animals forever homes. While the organization does receive an allocation from the city, those funds fall far short of the amount needed to properly care for the thousands of animals who arrive its shelter each year.

Proceeds from the Fur Ball are dedicated to filling that funding gap.

Tickets for the black-tie optional event run $75 for patrons under age 35; $75 per accompanied dog; $125 per patrons age 35 and older; $200 per couple; $1,000 tables of eight humans and 2 dogs. Purchase tickets and get more information at furballbr.org.

These are among the beautiful dogs and cats available at CAA, who benefit from the fundraiser.

Russell (43297) appears to be a male purebred White German Shepherd — a Berger Blanc Suisse, actually. He’s got a huge personality, with some of the very best traits of this noble breed. In addition to his awesome looks, Russell has been super sweet to shelter staff and other dogs. This big blonde guy is people-centered, basks in attention and loves being petted. He also appears to be housebroken.

Walt (Foster) is super affectionate and never afraid to tell you how he is feeling. This poor guy was part of an accidental litter that the owner dumped at the shelter. Fortunately, this Selkirk Rex/ domestic shorthair mix is now happy in his foster home. There, he loves playing with anything feathery, watching birds from the window and cuddling with his foster family. This funny guy will gladly hug your leg, if you don’t notice him asking for attention. Yet, he is independent enough that he won’t mind working around a busy schedule. At around a year old now, Walt would be ideal for just about any loving household. He’s still got enough kitten in him that he loves to play, but he’s old enough to also appreciate relaxation time with the family.

Bella Marie (45170) has gentle brown eyes that will win you over in a heartbeat. This poor baby was found running across Scenic Highway and brought to the shelter in hopes that her owner would come a claim her. Unfortunately, no one came. The shelter found a temporary foster home for young Dalmatian/border collie mix. Bella Marie’s favorite past times include going for walks and watching Netflix! She is already kennel-trained and knows basic commands. Get this sweet girl excited enough and she will erupt in a fit of excited sneezes. At around one-and-a-half years old, Bella Marie weighs in at a trim 35 pounds. She would love an active family to enjoy her goofy personality. Bella Marie currently lives in a house with cats and would enjoy human, canine and feline companionship.

Daisy (43542) is a terrific playmate. She loves to interact with other dogs, run fast and play tug-of-war. This young lab mix is very friendly and sweet with humans as well. She listens well, walks well on a leash and loves to get attention.

Remy (Lobby) is an adult American and exotic shorthair mix.

Cromwell (44560) is an older guy who is still full of spunk! While his soft fluffy hair makes him look bigger, he actually weighs only 10 to 15 pounds. This petite Pomeranian is in need of hip surgery; but, the shelter staff is trying to raise the funds to have the procedure done before adoption

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Companion Animal Alliance.