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Don’t miss the Fur Ball fundraiser May 9

Photo courtesy of Companion Animal Alliance.

Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) presents its annual Fur Ball Saturday, May 9, 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Gala chair Amanda Vincent has been involved with the Fur Ball since its premiere four years ago. Frequently, Vincent is asked why she has remained so dedicated to this particular nonprofit.

“It’s not just about animals,” she says. “It’s also about people and our community. Imagine if we can teach our citizens to be a community who cares about their animals, [there might be] no more neglect and abuse, no dog fighting, no abandonment, no torture.

Even though the event has a serious purpose, the order of the evening is furry fun.

“I think it is the most fun black tie event ever,” she says. “The dogs just get cuter every year—and this year is no exception.”

In 2015, the competition for the royal court moved on to social media. Online votes for this year’s king and queen will be accepted through May 7.

At the black tie optional affair, canines’ companions also can enjoy bid on silent and live auction items, enter a raffle for diamond earrings. In addition, patrons and their pooches can pose for pictures taken by the professionals or in a photo booth. Afterward, pups can follow their noses to Petz Plaza’s spa, which offers onsite fluffing and buffing.

Last year’s Fur Ball was a howling success. Besides providing its pups and patrons with a posh party, the event raised approximately $100,000.

The beneficiary is the nonprofit contracted by the Metro Council to run the city’s animal shelter. Whether they arrive as strays or are turned in by owners who no longer want or can care for them, CAA is mandated to care for any unwanted or lost animal in East Baton Rouge Parish.

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. So, 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. For information, call 933-6010.

These are among CAA’s adoptable animals, who benefit from the fundraiser.

Creature Feature

Nigel unleashesNigel (foster care) is a 4-month-old Old English bulldog mix. This little boy has a wiggly butt and snorty smushed face that will immediately win your heart. Nigel was found wandering the streets by himself when he was only 8 weeks old. Nigel does well in his kennel and walks like a dream on a leash. Nigel will always keep you laughing with his goofy puppy antics. Weighing in just at less than 30 pounds, Nigel is an ideal pet for just about any inside household. He absolutely loves all other dogs (even grouchy ones who correct him), does well with cats and is happy to jump and lick any human he meets. If you are ready to take care of this big lug, Nigel will love you forever.

Beignet unleashedBeignet (#55202) is a young male German shepherd/Australian shepherd mix.

 

 

Daisy unleashedDaisy (#54442) is a beautiful adult female beagle. This gorgeous girl was running the streets of Baton Rouge before she was rescued. While she was timid at first, Daisy has now learned to trust people again and is a terrific canine companion.

Darlin unleashedDarlin’ (#54843) is an adult female longhaired dachshund mix.

 

 

Frostop unleashedFrostop (#55261) is an adult male clumber spaniel/cocker spaniel mix. This blonde beauty loves attention and would be happy to find a home of his own.

 

Woody unleashedWoody (foster care) is a 6-week-old boxer/collie mix. His mother was brought to the shelter without the little guy and his siblings, so Good Samaritan took them in. Now, all the pups are ready for adoption.

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

Adrian E. Hirsch is the development director at Companion Animal Alliance.