A barking good time is expected to be had at the Paws for Wine fundraiser at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Ristorante Pappagallo.
Money raised at the event, hosted by the Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts, will go to the nonprofit’s spay and neuter program, animal welfare programs, and veterinary treatment for rescue dogs.
Jay Ehrhart will host the event, and live music will be provided by Bona Fide. There will be wine stations with a variety of world wines to sample, and food stations with a selection of canapés and mini-plates. Silent and live auctions are lined up with many prizes, including weekend stays, a yoga membership, wine gifts and food vouchers for various dining establishments and grocery stores.
Rescue organization
CARE’s services for dogs and cats include vaccinations and de-worming. The organization has found homes for 60 dogs and cats on island.
“Since 2010 we have sponsored 1,500 community spay and neuter surgeries,” said Lesley Agostinelli, volunteer director at CARE. “However, since the launch of our recent marketing campaign in May 2014, we have seen a huge increase and have sponsored 255 surgeries to date.”
CARE relies solely on volunteers and the generosity of supporters, and works directly with Dr. Brenda Bush at Island Veterinary Services. Agostinelli said veterinarian costs can average $5,000 a month. However, she said, Dr. Bush offers a charitable rate for the surgeries so that CARE can continue with its campaign.
“Our goal at this time is to try and achieve a 70 percent fix rate island-wide,” Agostinelli said. “Our aim is to offer an easily accessible and affordable spay and neuter program so as to encourage and educate on the huge benefits to the community, the pet, and the owner as to why this program is so beneficial to all. If necessary, we also arrange through our volunteer base, transportation for getting the dogs and cats to the vet if the owner is without transport.”
In addition, the organization’s goals include the implementation of a proper registration and identification system to assist in population control of dogs in Cayman; and education of the public, particularly children, to achieve a change in community attitude towards animals.
Agostinelli said CARE’s aim is to complement the likes of the Cayman Islands Humane Society, in addition to the Department of Agriculture’s pound – where around 600 unwanted animals were euthanized last year. She is hopeful that through their goals being achieved, there will be a decrease in shelter intake.
Although CARE did not hold the Paws for Wine event in 2013, its 2012 event raised $10,000. The organization hopes to match or exceed this amount this year.
“Over the past three years, we have averaged 300 surgeries a year, but this year with the increase in our campaign, we are hoping to double this,” Agostinelli said.
Tickets cost $75 and are available for purchase at Ristorante Pappagallo, Cayman Animal Hospital, Island Veterinary Services, Bliss Living Yoga and Must Love Dogs Retail store in Camana Bay. For more information on CARE or this event, contact [email protected] or 938 2273.
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