The Verde Valley Humane Society hosted its “In the Dog House” fundraiser on Friday, June 9, to kick off its 40-year anniversary celebrations and raise money for lost and abandoned animals.
Area residents, including VVHS board members and staff, Clarkdale Mayor Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer and Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor Donna Michaels, were “impounded” and “quarantined” until they raised enough money through “return to owner” fees to be released.
“I love animals,” Prud’homme-Bauer said. “Support of our humane society is absolutely essential. They help make sure that pets have good homes to go to and that’s why I support it. It’s an important part of our community.”
The event included music by DJ Luna Boi, food courtesy of Johnny’s Doghouse, raffles and an audio guest book recorded through an old dial phone.
“VVHS desires to promote and inform the community on the need for humane and kind treatment of animals, the importance of spaying and neutering our companion pets, to celebrate the benefit of pet ownership and to encourage residents to support the Verde Valley Humane Society, a local, public nonprofit serving the Verde Valley,” Executive Director Brenda Redel said. “Individual donations, grant-funding and our own fundraising help significantly in providing the needed funds to feed and care for the abandoned animals sheltered at VVHS.”
Redel noted that if residents missed the event, they can still donate on the shelter’s website.
“The shelter does continue to run at capacity with abandoned or lost animals,” said Redel. “We encourage residents to call us if their cat or dog becomes lost and to microchip their pets — it can be valuable in bringing them back home. And, always, check your local shelter when considering bringing a new furry friend into your home.”
“With the kennels always full, the funding is a valuable source of income and will cover spay and neuter services, other medical care and food for the homeless cats and dogs for a month,” Redel said. “The Verde Valley Humane Society is so thankful to everyone who helped make this event a success.”
