Support shelter pets at Colorado Animal Rescue’s 14th annual ‘Dressed to the K9s’ Gala

On Saturday, Sept. 7, Colorado Animal Rescue will host its 14th annual “Dressed To The K9s” fundraising gala, which benefits the shelter’s Thumper Fund for veterinary care for shelter pets. The event will take place at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) in Basalt and raised $50,000 last year.

“The Thumper Fund ensures that every shelter pet receives any veterinary care they may need,” said Wes Boyd, C.A.R.E.’s executive director, in a press release. “Whether it’s a routine procedure, emergency surgery, or even dental extractions, we’re able to provide excellent and complete medical care to ALL shelter pets. The Thumper Fund supports an essential part of C.A.R.E.’s mission and is one of the outstanding programs that make our organization such a unique resource for homeless pets and the animal lovers in our community.”

Attendees can expect bites by Epicure, sweets from Sunshine & Moons, entertainment by AZYEP youth radio students, presentation of Animaltarian of the Year, live fundraising for The Thumper Fund, and the event’s namesake fashion show.

“Dressed To The K9s is an evening of laughter, celebration, and fundraising all in honor of shelter pets,” Boyd added. “It’s an opportunity to dress up, have a great night out, and donate to a cause that is near and dear to your heart.”

I caught up with Boyd via email to get his take on the needs in the community and how animal lovers of all kinds can help in the effort to keep shelter animals healthy and safe.

Sarah Girgis: I know that adoptions have slowed, and people are struggling in this economy to look after their pets — have you noticed an uptick of surrendered animals in our shelters this year?

Wes Boyd: We’re fortunate that adoptions at our shelter are on the rise this year. We’ve adopted 341 pets so far — about 50 more pets than this time last year. 

But unfortunately, yes owner relinquished pets continue to make up 33% of the animal shelter population in Colorado. At C.A.R.E., the number of owner-relinquished pets has increased by 60% vs. this time last year. We’ve taken 142 relinquished pets (86 in 2023) so far. The two biggest reasons that owners report they are unable to keep their pets are housing issues (moving, no pet-friendly housing) and behavior problems with the pet. 

SG: What are you finding the biggest need is right now in the Roaring Fork Valley?  

WB: The biggest need in our community is an increase in affordable, pet-friendly housing. Pets are relinquished to the shelter when families are forced to move or a landlord decides they can no longer have pets.

Access to pet supplies and affordable veterinary care also contribute to difficulties in maintaining pet ownership. 

SG: What are the ways community members can contribute or help? 

WB: No. 1 — Adopt a shelter pet. With 6.5 million pets living in shelters nationwide, it’s important to provide a home for a pet already in need. C.A.R.E. is currently caring for 37 homeless pets. 

No. 2 – Donate to support the care of our shelter pets. We’re experiencing huge increases in our shelter expenses. To maintain our work, we rely on donations from our local community. 

#3 – Volunteer. We can always use additional help caring for shelter pets, assisting at community events, and transporting animals in need. 

For adoptable pets:

Sarah Girgis is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or [email protected].