A frail, little pup named Chestnut and a helpless, paralyzed cat named Roamer.
Both would almost certainly have been put to sleep if it wasn’t for the work of the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS), the city’s no-kill shelter, which continues to save the lives of animals every day of the year.
But they can only do it through public and corporate donations and through vital fundraising events throughout the year — RAPS’ contract with the City of Richmond is not enough.
And with ticket sales for its Paws & Pumpkins Halloween Gala on Saturday, Oct. 31 down markedly from the last event two years ago, the charity needs the public and businesses to step up more than ever.
“It is (RAPS’ biggest fundraiser) and we rely heavily on it,” said Donna Murray, who’s on the board of directors at RAPS.
“The quality of the donations (for the auction) are exceptionally high, but obviously, the more we have the better.
“Ticket sales are a bit sluggish, for sure, so we’re hoping for a big push in the week before Halloween.”
About a third of the 350 tickets have been sold, whereas, at this point the last time the event was held, it was sold out.
The more tickets sold and more money raised on the night will help save the lives of animals such as seven-month-old, mini-poodle Chestnut, who was given to RAPS by a local vet, whose client either couldn’t or wouldn’t pay for a specialist surgeon to treat a very badly broken leg.
“It’s going to be a hefty price, the difference between $800 for regular surgery and $3,000 for what Chestnut needs done,” said RAPS volunteer Wendy Riley.
“The vet called us and said he had this beautiful, young puppy. We said ‘fine, we will take him.’ If not…he would almost certainly be euthanized.
“He is as cute as a button and is super affectionate. He was in a lot of pain, but we’ve now hooked him up with some meds and he seems to be a little happier now.
“He just wants to have some fun, like any other pup.”
Roamer, a black, domestic cat, arrived at RAPS two months ago, seriously paralyzed.
“He had x-rays but nothing showed up, so it seems he was poisoned in some way,” explained Riley.
“It’s another reason not to let your cats out. He was very sick. He is making improvements, but is still very sick, he’s on a cocktail of meds, three or four pills a day, which are costly.”
RAPS, added Murray, can’t anticipate what’s going to happen to animals and can’t budget for things such as 36 dogs landing on its doorstep two years ago.
“It’s been a tough year in terms of the animals that have been coming into our care; there have been some really sad cases,” said Murray.
“And, of course, we are a no-kill shelter and many animals live out their lives at the shelter and the sanctuary. That doesn’t come cheap.”
Murray said people and businesses can help by going to the Halloween gala, buying raffle tickets, sponsoring cats, donating food (wish list on RAPS website) and volunteering (especially weekdays, for two or three hours).
The Paws & Pumpkins Halloween Gala is on Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Pacific Gateway Hotel on Cessna Drive from 6 p.m., with live and silent auctions, dinner, prizes, a live band and dancing. Tickets are $90 each; a table of 10 is $800, which includes dinner and entertainment and a $50 tax receipt per ticket. Tickets are available on 604-275-2036, at any RAPS location or online at www.rapsociety.com.
