The Bow Meow Auction & Benefit Dinner showcased the 2012 shelter accomplishments of handling more than 2,311 animal intakes through Dec. 1, more than 900 adoptions and many more animals rescued by transferring to breed-specific and all-breed rescue organizations across the United States. The event also earned PPAS two “Lonely Hearts Club” animals being sponsored, and an adoption occurred directly following the event that evening. The shelter unveiled new programs for 2013 including a Trap-Neuter-Return Program, an expanded Humane Education Program for children and the new shelter supporters club “The Circle of Compassion.”
The Bow Meow included some special awards. These included Volunteer of the Year, awarded to Maggie Garman, with over 763 hours of volunteer time in 2012, and Employee of the Year awarded to Deborah Nelson, PPAS staff member. Several other special “Awards of Excellence” were shared with the community members in attendance Saturday evening. These were awarded to Dr. Larry Mages, Dr. Laura Erwin, Val & Kim Finney, Diana Kay, and Mr. & Mrs. John & Gina Angeli for their commitment and dedication to the animals at Prairie Paws.
Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, Inc. was fortunate to host their area sponsors which included: Employees of the Washington Post Companies, Advantage Ford, First National Bank of Louisburg, Kansas State Bank, James R. Cooper Trust, Didde Office Supply, Prairie Star Catering, Ricoh Business Solutions, Moore Auction Services, Trendel Lumber, Ottawa Veterinary Center, Cottonwood Animal Hospital, The Bones Company & Family, Hilltop Animal Hospital, Express Employment Professionals & the Independence Community College Veterinary Technician Program. Many other area businesses and individuals contributed toward auction item donations and volunteer support.
The Bow Meow gathered great attendance with more than 210 tickets reserved in advance and included attendees from the Kansas City area, Ottawa, Independence, Emporia, Salina, Williamsburg, Paola, Lawrence, Osawatomie, Pomona and Richmond. This year’s benefit auction also hosted a very special guest from New York City. The Prairie Paws Board of Directors and executive director extend a heartfelt “thank you” to every attendee and sponsor who made the evening possible.
Prairie Paws Animal Shelter encourages area animal lovers who missed this opportunity to get to know us. We welcome all to visit the animal shelter and Prairie Paws Executive Director Mi’Chielle Cooper. Please call the animal shelter at (785) 242-2967 or email michielle.cooper@prairiepaws.org to join the shelter “Circle of Compassion” or to volunteer.
— Submitted by Mi’Chielle Cooper, executive director of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter