PAWS & CLAWS

Haute dog

Coconut poses in his stylish Mexican hat. His family members are Marc Fuentes and Sommer Crain of Kessler Plaza, dogs Bogart and Jack, cat Paulie and 12 chickens.

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Vote ‘go Cowboys!’ … and help feed the hungry. Join Taste of the NFL’s Kick Hunger Challenge by voting for your favorite NFL team ahem, the navy, silver and white. Give a donation in the name of your team, and it will go directly to the North Texas Food Bank. Find more information at tasteofthenfl.com.

Sign up for a 5k …

… and help improve Oak Cliff public schools. This year’s Dash for the Beads 5k is Saturday, March 1, so there’s still time to train. Registration costs $30, and proceeds benefit neighborhood schools. Find more information at dashforthebeads.org.

Race a mountain bike …

… or just watch, and help raise money for cancer charities at the Ray Porter Memorial Race Against Cancer. The Big Pig racing team’s annual cancer fundraiser at Tyler State Park has been renamed in honor of Oak Cliff resident Ray Porter, who died of cancer in December. The race is Saturday, Feb. 8. Find more information at bigpigracing.org.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.

Show Off Your Pad

Have you recently finished a major home remodel that’s the envy of the neighborhood? Or, maybe there’s something else special about your abode — a killer art collection, impressive DIY, themed rooms or clever uses of space. We want your stories for our annual Advocate Home Design issue. Send beforeand-after photos and a description of your project along with your name, zip code and contact information to editor@advocatemag.com. Who knows? Your home could end up on the cover.