May 4, 2016 at 2:09 p.m.
Animal lovers turn out in droves to support OCHS
Animal lovers turn out in droves to support OCHS
By Kayla Thomason-
The 200-ticket event, held at the Reiter Center in Three Lakes, was sold out, to the delight of organizers.
"We're just absolutely thrilled," said Sue Otis, Furball event coordinator and board member/treasurer for the Oneida County Humane Society (OCHS). "This is the first year that we did sell out so it's just fabulous."
The event included raffles, a silent and live auction, and a variety of delicious food. All of the proceeds from the Furball go directly to OCHS to be used for the care of the animals, food, maintenance of the facility and more.
New this year was a Guess the Breed contest, featuring Brady, a mixed breed alumnus of the shelter. Guests tried to determine the four breeds that make up his gene pool.
OCHS had genetic testing done to find the answer.
It was later revealed that Brady is a cocker spaniel/miniature poodle/pomeranian/maltese mix.
During the dinner the Oneida County Humane Society officials announced what they would like to do with the donation the organization received last year from Petco.
Officials are hoping to upgrade the facility by repurposing space and create additions for cat intake, dog intake, cat quarantine, dog quarantine, a small animal room, a better meet-and-greet area to reduce distractions while animals meet interested families, and a bigger lobby and office area. They are already talking with an architect and depending on the cost estimates will narrow down the list of projects.
Those in attendance - both first-timers and repeat supporters - had a lovely evening.
This is the second time Michele Riopel has attended the Furball and, after her last experience, she said she couldn't wait for the next event.
"We had so much fun the first time that we couldn't wait to come back," she said, adding that the commemorative glasses - a red design with the event and year, and a few paw prints - were a nice touch.
Riopel thought the turnout was excellent.
"I think it's wonderful because it's difficult for our community to support, we have a lot of charities we need to support, our city itself, and I'm so glad that they've been organizing this and it's been a wonderful event and I think it's a very worthy cause, so I'm delighted," she said.
She is an avid supporter of OCHS and encourages others to help out, no matter how small.
"I just encourage everyone to support (OCHS) in every way you can, whether it's bringing the cans down to recycle for the neuter program or coming to this event," she said. "It's a wonderful cause and you'll have a ball."
Jane Evanoff, a first-time attendee, also enjoyed the event.
"I think it's great (that the donations go to OCHS), for a lot of the animals that do get abandoned it helps them and it helps a lot of people too," she said. "When people get lonely and a pet can be the best thing for them to keep them company, and they say you live a lot longer when you have a pet. I really believe that's true."
Linda Doede has attended the Furball every year and has no plans to stop.
"It's a good time, a lot of people that I know from Rhinelander are here," she said.
Otis was touched by the community's eagerness to rally behind the shelter.
"We are so excited about this year and the fact that we did have such a great turnout, it just shows how much people are supporting us," she said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla@rivernews online.com.
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