Fundraiser to benefit Robinson’s Rescue
Robinson’s Rescue is hosting its fourth annual “Best in Sheaux” fundraising event at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Zocolo’s Neighborhood Eatery & Drinkery. In an effort to raise money, the event is showcasing the “Westminster Dog Show,” along with food, games, a silent auction and raffle.
Auction items include a pair of John Hardy “Door Knocker” earrings from Lee Michaels, four suite tickets and one premium parking pass for a 2013 Dallas Cowboys game in a luxury “Touchdown” suite, a limited edition and signed George Rodrigue print and much more. One may pre-purchase tickets, but they will be available at the door. Tickets are $30, and raffle tickets are $10 (check or cash only).
“[Best in Sheaux] has really grown into a fun Monday night event for people to come together to support the animal world,” said Dr. Andrea Master, president, medical director and veterinarian at Robinson’s Rescue. “Some people come because they’re really into the Westminster [Dog Show], but most people come because they support Robinson’s Rescue’s mission, and they know we’re important for the animals in the community – our target is always to end euthanasia.
“We have dreams to grow it even further,” Master said. “I’d love to have a shelter dog be a part of [the event] too, because we do get pure-bred dogs. That’s one thing most people don’t realize, that many purebreds come through the animal shelter. We see poodles, Chihuahuas; we see German shepherds; most people think they have to [go through a breeder] to find a pure-bred dog, but we see puppies of all ages of pure-breed dogs [in the shelter]. You can find really great dogs there.”
The event is a major factor in funding Robinson’s Rescue, which is a low-cost spaying and neutering animal clinic aiming to end euthanasia and control the ever-growing pet population problem.
“In Caddo Parish, we have a huge pet population problem,” Master said. “In the state of Louisiana, over 92,000 animals are euthanized every year, and in just Northwest Louisiana, we euthanize around 1,000 animals a month.”
Robinson’s Rescue works with other rescues as well as both Shreveport and Bossier animal shelters. They perform 30 to 35 operations a day and since opening their doors over four years ago have spayed and neutered more than 20,000 pets. In order to operate their organization, they are mainly dependent on community funding.
“We’re able to afford this low-cost price because of the community. We appreciate the community support and how we’re able to fund this project. We’re really on a mission; we’re here to accomplish our goal.” Although Robinson’s Rescue provides low-cost services, their purpose is not to be in competition with other clinics. “We work with the veterinary community; we are just one piece of animal health,” Master said.
– Katie Ho
