In the print media business, babies and puppies are more than a pair of shy subjects. It's a shibboleth -- you can write like the Dickens but you'll never win more eyes than photos of babies and puppies. And it helps explain why, in 22 years of the Pulaski County Humane Society fundraiser Reigning Cats and Dogs, precious little has changed. Put out some food (hors d'oeuvres), serve some (adult) drinks, put out auction items and bring in the animals.
"Basically, the format is always the same," said Debbie Howell, co-chairman with Lyn Owens of the ARF-fair at Next Level Events. "One of the things our stakeholders look forward to is this event."
They even chauffeur in the dogs by limousine.
And where were the cats? There was Queen B. She stayed in her carrier. The little calico was the lone feline representative, but as it happens, she was adopted. So was Charlie the puppy.
Howell said the funds raised this night are earmarked for the society's spay-neuter program as well as emergency medical services. Nicole, a treeing Walker coonhound mix that likely does a little less of either since losing her right hind leg, was a happy example of the surgical capabilities of the shelter veterinarian.
About 275 people came out this year, fewer than the 300-plus the year before, and together they helped raise roughly $70,000.
High Profile on 11/16/2014