Raise the Woof this Saturday

Spay Baton Rouge invites the community to Raise the Woof. The comedic event takes place Sunday at the Manship Theatre. The evening features three comedians including headliner John Wessling, a silent auction, light fare from Izzo’s Illegal Burrito, 50/50 cash raffle and a cash bar.

A stand-up comedy tour, Raise the Woof is dedicated to collaborating with local animal non-profits to improve awareness and generate funds.

“Raise the Woof has performed extensively across Canada and the northwestern states, but it’s never been in the Southeast,” says Noelle Harper, Spay Baton Rouge’s fundraising coordinator. “Because this event is unique to this area, we hope people will be as excited to come out, share some good laughs and support a worthy cause.”

Spay Baton Rouge is dedicated to reducing the pet euthanasia rate in East Baton Rouge Parish.

“As long as we are euthanizing cats and dogs to get a handle on the pet homelessness problem in East Baton Rouge Parish, we will be continuously trying to play catch up,” explains Sandra DiTusa, Spay Baton Rouge’s founder and executive director. “On average, fertile animals produce 10 kittens or puppies a year. Our goal is to effectively stop the problem at the source.”

Since 2006, the non-profit and its affiliated veterinarians have spayed and neutered over 11,700 cats and dogs. The organization has concentrated its efforts by making low-cost spay and neuter services to people otherwise unable to afford the procedure for their pets or the feral cat colonies they feed.

The organization depends on grants, donations and fundraising events to operate. Proceeds from Raise the Woof will help Spay Baton Rouge to continue providing spay/neuter services to animals at risk of breeding.

Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Abby’s puppies are Catahoula leopard dog mixes. There are two females and two males.

Sammy is exceedingly sweet and playful. This great guy would make the perfect addition to any family.

Lil Bit is a five-year-old terrier mix who was rescued from a life of being tied to a tree with little food or water. This sweetheart is full grown and weighs 15 pounds.

Jigsaw is a gorgeous green-eyed female tortoiseshell. She was rescued after she was dumped at a house with pit bulls. That was a close call. Jigsaw loves being petted. She is sweet wonderful lap cat, who would make a perfect companion. She is best suited to be an only pet.

Beautiful Margo and her sister were found at a high kill shelter at only six months of age. This German shepherd mix is very well socialized, intelligent and affectionate.

When Deigo was relinquished to rescue, his previous family stated he was cute as a kitten but nothing more. After he became an adult, they obviously lost interest. Remarkably, this handsome guy is sweet and loving. For more information, call his foster at 247-1531.

These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Northside Humane Society or call 964-6992.