No one can resist the big eyes of a kitten, but this Friday the Dearborn Animal Shelter is turning specifically to women for support, hosting a ladies-only night to raise money for the shelter and find some loving homes for homeless pets.
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Appropriately timed for the last weekend of Women's History Month, Ladies Night Out, Paws...ing to Celebrate Women takes a for-women, by-women approach. It will feature a variety of local women-run businesses, including an auto mechanic, organic farm, photography studio and handwriting analyst, as well as the comedic stylings of one Evelyn Smallbladder (Denise Gutenschwager off-stage), who tells jokes for the middle-aged but young-at-heart.
The shelter started turning to women with last year's Dames 4 Dogs event and decided to up the ante this year. Expect a Mexican buffet provided by Del Taco, mini spa services (for an added donation), and unusual auction items, like a ride-along in a police car.
Public Relations Director Sandra Boulton, who promises "flowing beer and wine" at the event, said the shelter is 90 percent dependent on donor dollars, so they try to hold events often. And why make an extra effort to bring women out?
"Women are a critical determinant in having an animal in the home and supporting the shelter," Boulton explained. She added the majority of its donors are women. And it's often the women in families who often make important decisions about volunteering at the shelter, as well as adoption.
"You absolutely know it's gotta be okay with mom if theres a dog brought in the home," Bouton said.
Whether or not you're a lady looking for a night out, you can always help the shelter by donating, volunteering or adopting. Below, take a look at just a few of the pets at the Dearborn Animal Shelter currently in need of a loving home. For more information about adopting a pet, email the shelter, call them at 313-943-2697 or go in: They're located at 2661 Greenfield Road, Dearborn.
Ladies Night Out takes place from 6 to 10 p.m., Friday, March 30, at Warren Valley Golf and Banquet Center, 26116 W. Warren Road, Dearborn Heights. For more information and tickets, see the Dearborn Animal Shelter's website.
