The fundraiser features a three-comedian show starring headliner Bad Boy RedBean and features a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, light hors d’oeuvres, live music and a cash bar. Proceeds allow Spay Baton Rouge to continue providing low-cost spay and neuter services for animals at risk of uncontrolled breeding.
Raise the Woof is an international, stand-up comedy tour that works with local animal non-profits in host cities. The tour’s goal is to give a voice to animals through laughter while raising awareness and much-needed funds.
Since last year’s show was a sell out, “We’ve really hit on a special event that keeps growing annually,” says Noelle Harper, Spay Baton Rouge’s fundraising coordinator. “People love being able to attend a top-notch comedy show in our city while supporting a worthy cause.”
For 10 years, Spay Baton Rouge has aimed to reduce the pet euthanasia rate in East Baton Rouge Parish by halting the number of accidental litters.
“Consider that just one fertile cat or dog can produce up to 10 kittens or puppies a year,” explains Sandra DiTusa, Spay Baton Rouge’s founder and executive director. “If left unaltered, those 10 offspring can also each reproduce, then the next generation can reproduce. It becomes a vicious cycle.”
“As long as we are euthanizing cats and dogs to get a handle on the pet homelessness problem in East Baton Rouge Parish,” she says, “we will constantly be trying to play catch up. It’s our goal to effectively stop the problem at the source.”
To stem the tide of overpopulation, Spay Baton Rouge offers spay/neuter services to low-income pet owners and stray and feral cat caregivers, who otherwise couldn’t afford the surgeries.
Since 2006, the non-profit and its affiliated vets have spayed/neutered more than 14,000 cats and dogs and prevented the births of an estimated 70,000 unwanted puppies and kittens.
The organization depends on grants, donations and fundraising events to operate.
Tickets for the Raise the Woof adults-only evening are $25 plus fees and can be purchased at manshiptheatre.org.
Creature feature
If you’re looking for some additional home entertainment this spring, Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge canine companions can provide a lot of furry fun. These are among the adoptable puppies and dogs now available:
Sammy is a 2-year-old shepherd/lab mix with a love of life and a perpetually optimistic attitude. Sammy is still new to foster care, but his fosters are encouraged that he crates well, gets along with the resident Catahoula and has lost his cat fear.
Mona is a 10-week-old hound mix. This precious canine tidbit is super-sweet, cuddly and full of playful energy. Like all puppies, this bright-eyed, little sprite needs regular exercise, lots of attention and help learning to be a great canine companion.
Finn is a goofy, fun-loving fellow with a real zest for life. This 5-month-old, little Chocolate (lab) delight weighs a bubbly 25 pounds. This great guy needs regular exercise, attention and instruction on how to be a great canine companion.
Gumbeaux is a 3-month-old canine cutie. His mom was a petite boxer-mix and his dad was an Australian Shepherd mix. This mild-mannered puppy has the big round eyes of a boxer, combined with the soft coat and lighter build of an Aussie.
Lily Bean is a 6-year-old shih tzu mix. This sweet girl is crate-trained, knows some commands and walks well on a leash. But, she is a special-needs pet because she must remain on prescription food for bladder health for the rest of her life.
Astrid is a 1-year-old female retriever mix. At 30 pounds, she’s the perfect size. She is super friendly around people. Astrid also enjoys playing with a canine companion. So, she’s well suited for a multi-dog household.
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs and puppies are available through Friends of the Animals.
