Andrews – Hall Memorial Park was a hub of activity Saturday afternoon, as kids played on an inflatable slide, people got their faces painted, and five dogs and just as many cats were adopted.
"It's just been phenomenal," said Kirsty Waller, manager of the Valley River Humane Society’s animal shelter in Marble.
The event was sponsored by the Andrews Veterinary Hospital, and all funds raised go toward the medical expenses for animals at the animal shelter. This was the fourth year of the event, the third that benefitted the humane society.
Waller said the funds raised at Paws-A-Palooza usually last until March, allowing the shelter to give the animals immediate care without having a separate fundraiser.
"This is just a hugely important event for us," she said, explaining that animals are brought in every week that need veterinary care.
One dog that needed help recently was at the downtown park Saturday and enjoying the attention.
Brock was brought in as a stray by Clay County’s animal control officer on Sept. 10 with a severe injury to his leg. As a result, his right leg was amputated at the veterinary hospital on Sept. 12.
"We don't know what happened to him, but we knew there was no saving the limb," Waller said.
The surgery cost about $900. Waller believes Brock is alive today because they were able to get him help.
Lisa Rodriguez came out to the park to enjoy the festivities with her granddaughter, Gabriella. She said they already have plenty of pets, but Gabriella was wanting another cats.
The shelter brought out 12 cats to event, plus eight dogs to adopt. Lynne Myers, one of the volunteers, said there was even someone waiting to adopt when the shelter van pulled up to the park to set up for the event. The event also included an auction to raise funds, discounts on microchipping and a peanut butter eating contest for dogs.
The Valley River Humane Society’s animal shelter is a no-kill shelter. For details, call 837-2304 or visit valleyriverhumanesociety.org.
Paws-A-Palooza saves lives
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