San Francisco is My Home

13
Feb

The Bark & Whine Ball

Author: kris, Category: Charity, Events

The very first news story I was ever assigned was about the San Francisco SPCA’s Bark and Whine Ball, but I think I’d have a soft spot for the event even if that weren’t the case. The B&W is the SF/SPCA’s annual fundraiser, a glam formal-wear event for people and their dogs. And if you think dogs can’t wear black tie, think again. I’ve seen dogs in tuxedos, ball gowns, rhinestones and diamonds. I’ve seen doggie couture.

The event is way more fun than these fundraisers usually are, simply because everyone has their dogs with them. The dogs are astonishingly well-behaved, too — you almost never hear anyone barking, or see them trying to roughhouse. What you do see is a ton of food and drink, a high-class silent auction, and a jazzy little orchestra.

On top of the fun to be had, the Bark & Whine is raising money for a worthy cause. All money raised goes to the SPCA’s Cinderella Fund, which provides the additional medical care that some animals need before they can be adopted. In some cases this means things like treating ear infections or performing minor surgery;  in other cases it can be a simple as cosmetic dental work that will make the difference between a family taking home that adorable puppy, or leaving the poor snaggle-toothed guy in the shelter.

Lest you are unmoved, consider your own pet, or a pet you’ve loved in the past. What if that pet had arrived at a shelter with a bad ear infection, or cosmetic problems? What if the shelter didn’t have a no-kill policy, and euthanized your dog or cat to make room for a more “adoptable” animal?

But enough preaching.  If you’re interested, the Ball is happening on March 6 at the SF Gift Center. Check out the website for tickets.

This image is from the Bark & Whine website.