Carin Schoppmeyer: Dog day helps care for critters

Humane Society of the Ozarks supporters and their pups enjoyed an afternoon outdoors at Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 1 at Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery in Springdale. Guests were treated to wine and food from Sassafras, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the society.

Proceeds from events help support the society's programs, which include outreach for pet owners who can't afford emergency treatment, a low-cost spay and neuter program with area veterinarians, shelter rescue and outreach, adoption awareness and prevention of cruelty.

"Our cruelty investigations and removal of animals from abusive, neglectful and hoarding situations allow us to rescue animals who have been subjected to horrific conditions, provide them with the necessary veterinary care and rehabilitate them physically, socially and emotionally, with the sole goal of having them move into safe, secure and loving forever homes," says Chase Jackson, executive director.

Jackson adds that the organization does community outreach that includes assisting homeless individuals with healthcare and other needs that may arise for their pets so they can stay together.

The society is teeing up for Putt for Paws set for 9 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 21 at Lokomotion Family Fun and an after party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Foghorn's on Green Acres in Fayetteville. Individual player registration is $20 for HSO members or $25 for nonmembers. Registration includes 18 holes of miniature golf, raffle entry for golfers, T-shirt and lunch.

Those enjoying Dog Days included Desi Keel, Carla Hodges, Alison Kimbrough, Carmen Nelson, JoAnn Traw, Katie Harms and Kole Fairchild, Becky Reed, Mary Soileau, Remington Reed, Chandler Birmingham, Mekenzie and EvanWilkerson, Kristen McCray, Megan Burlingame, Taylor and Matthew Arsenault, Kaitlin Thulin, Jennifer and Jason Hattabaugh, Allie Jo Bunch, Kara and Brad Nickell, Megan Wein, Laine Zammit, Lacie Garrison, Gracie and Mike Ziegler, Nora Stephens, Wesley Stephens, Donna and Rob Wagner, Melanie and David Pelkey and Rachel and Patrick Moss.

Animals available for adoption may be found on the HSA website, hsozarks.org.

For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.

Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at cschoppmeyer@nwadg.com.

Desi Keel (from left), Carla Hodges, Alison Kimbrough, Humane Society of the Ozarks board members; Chase Jackson, executive director; and Tusk welcome guests to Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 1. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Katie Harms and Kole Fairchild, with Savi, enjoy the Dog Days of Summer. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Megan Wein (from left), Laine Zammit, Hatch and Lacey Garrison help support the Humane Society of the Ozarks on Aug. 1. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Evan and Mekenzie Wilkerson, with Koala, attend Dog Days of Summer. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Becky Reed (from left), Clotille, Mary Soileau, Remington Reed and Chandler Birmingham attend Dog Days of Summer. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Wesley Stephens (from left), Tiberius and Nora Stephens enjoy Dog Days of Summer. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Kara and Brad Nickell help support the Humane Society with Ruby (from left), Arthur and Handsome on Aug. 1. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Mike and Gracie Ziegler, with Otter, stand for a photo at Dog Days of Summer. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)

Patrick and Rachel Moss, with Clark, attend Dog Days of Summer.