For the love of animals
Impassioned animal advocates unite for wine, beer, photography��
By Christy HeronThe volunteers and supporters of the North County Humane Society and Animal Shelter Adoption Partners (ASAP) encourage pet seekers to think creatively when searching for a new best friend. They are devoted to making certain that no domesticated animal in San Luis Obispo County goes without a home. Toward that goal, they will host a high-profile reception and wine tasting at an exhibition of captivating photographs and stories of adopted pets and fellow creatures awaiting adoption. It promises to be a memorable gala event for a very good cause.
Ellen Perryess, a driven volunteer with ASAP, has worked around the clock with other pet advocates to establish the social fundraiser.
ASAP is a nonprofit association for stopping the destruction of homeless pets. Part of their program is the Rescue Me! broadcast on Charter Cable channel 2 that literally brings SLO County’s dogs and cats into residents’ homes.
Perryess said, “ASAP is working on the community level through outreach, while educating about animal abuse and adoption. We have fabulous pet owners, but a lot of irresponsible pet owners. We have over- population in fact at the North County shelter they are addressing the very specific, and large, problem with the overcrowding of cats.”
Before paying large sums to a breeder, people should visit the shelters, where they will be delighted by the wide variety of healthy dogs and cats. Perryess said adopting is a very easy process, with knowledgeable, dedicated volunteers on hand who are ready to help make the perfect match: “We help to choose the right animal for people.”
What about cost?
Perryess explains, “The total adoption cost is $50 for a dog and $35 for a cat. Animals come with all of their shots and are micro-chipped (like a barcode on grocery products. It tracks the animal).”
Pouring Wines for Canines and Felines will also provide information on other ways animal lovers can assist the animal population, if owning a pet isn’t an option, such as fostering animals and volunteering at shelters or at ASAP.
The two organizations, ASAP and NCHS, which is a no-kill shelter, will receive 40 percent of funds raised by the event. In addition to a raffle and wine discounts, a silent auction during the Nov. 13 reception will include, among other items, a McLintocks gift basket and a luxurious overnight stay at the sumptuous Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort.
As for the art on the walls, Charlotte “Ginger” Rushton has taken photos in a variety of genres, even as a paparazzo in her native London, clicking away at the most famous people in the world, a job she detested. An internationally recognized photographer, Rushton has always loved photographing animals. Her images of pet owners and their pets, animals successfully rescued, as well as photographs of animals in need of homes, can be viewed, and purchased at Monterey St. Wine Co. Info: www.charlotterushton.com.
INFOBOX: Cheers to dogs and cats
Pouring Wines for Canines and Felines is a photography exhibit featuring local adoptable and adopted animals taken by photographer Charlotte “Ginger” Rushton. At a Nov. 13 reception and fundraiser the public is invited to read vignettes featuring pet owners who have successfully adopted animals through shelters. This wine and beer tasting takes place from 5- 8 p.m. and costs $10 for three pours, or $2 for one, and benefits the North County Humane Society and ASAP (Animal Shelter Adoption Partners). This fundraising exhibit will last throughout November at the Monterey St. Wine Co. located at 1255 Monterey St. (at Johnson) in San Luis Obispo. Info: 541-1255. Info on the North County Humane Society: 466-5403. Info on ASAP: 489-0689 or www.sloasap.org.
Christy Heron can be reached at cheron@newtimesslo.com.
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1010 Marsh Street • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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