community
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PETS & THEIR PEOPLE
COLUMNIST l FAYBLES
Special needs, special companions By KATHRYN HORNER
neighborsgo | Frisco | Little Elm |
Contributor
There are dozens of heartwarming, against-all-odds stories of special-needs pets finding someone to love. They each have an incredible zest for life. Recently, Pepper, a delightful miniature pinscher mix, was diagnosed with glaucoma in her left eye. Because of chronic dryness, she quickly went blind in that eye. The veterinarian recommended it be removed. Marsha Russell is Pepper’s foster mom. She’s taken Pepper to many vet visits, cared for her after surgery and medicates Pepper’s right eye twice a day (the vet suspects it also has glaucoma which will probably cause her to lose sight in it, too). With most everything in her life changing abruptly and after losing her eye, Pepper is still a happy, sweet girl who relishes attention. Pepper is available for adoption and she wants to find that special someone who will offer her a lifetime of love. Pepper reminds us of the story about
Photo submitted by KATHRYN HORNER
Pepper, the day after he had her left eye removed, was still a peppy, attention-loving miniature pinscher mix.
Riley. The 8-pound fawn Chihuahua’s foot had been crushed under a car, but his family decided not to get him the medical care he needed. They watched Riley suffer and
September 24, 2010
Kathryn Horner contributes to neighborsgo on behalf of the Frisco Humane Society.
FUR BALL GALA l SPCA OF TEXAS
Saturday’s event to benefit area animals
IF YOU GO WHEN: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday WHERE: Khmer Pavilion in the Hilton Anatole Dallas, 2201 Stemmons Freeway COST: Individual tickets are $150 each and table sponsorships are $1,500 each MORE INFO: Visit spca.org/furball
By LACY BALL
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eventually, after his foot was swollen with infection, they dumped him at the local shelter. Julie Wilson — president of the Frisco Humane Society, and a dog and cat foster mom — heard about Riley, and knew she couldn’t leave him at the shelter. But it was too late to save his leg. Now this happy-go-lucky, three-legged Chihuahua is a permanent member of the Wilson household — never leaving her side and creating a Riley-sized spot on her bed and in her heart. Wilson adores him but recalls how she “never dreamed a ‘throw away’ dog would be a true treasure and bring so much joy in my life.” Yes, it’s true — pets with disabilities may require more time, money and patience, but they can live long, happy lives. The reward from saving a special needs cat or dog far exceeds the sacrifice it takes to care for them.
Contributor
The SPCA of Texas’ will present its Fur Ball gala Saturday at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The event will feature casino tables and a live auction and the music of Dallasbased party band Live 80. Event proceeds will help underwrite the SPCA of Texas’ programs to rescue, heal and find homes for thousands of North Texas animals. Volunteers have organized one-of-akind packages for the live auction, including private poker parties, VIP sports tickets, vacations, nights on the town and gourmet food and wine. “I have been a blessed parent of adopted
Photo submitted by LACY BALL
The proceeds from the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball gala Saturday will benefit the group’s programs that rescue, heal and find homes for thousands of North Texas animals.
dogs for so many years and always will be,” said Allen resident Heidi Larsen, a longtime supporter of the SPCA of Texas. “The love that these amazing animals can give is so in-
credible and I strongly encourage families ... to consider pet adoption.” The SPCA of Texas also will present Animal Legend awards to The Rees-Jones Foundation, KDFW-TV and volunteer Tricia Linderman of Texas Capital Bank. The award is presented to individuals or organizations that have made a great difference to the cause of animal welfare in Texas. “I am proud to be a supporter of the SPCA of Texas and hope others can help in any way they can,” Larsen said. “Their hard work helps care for, rescue and save the lives of the helpless animals in our community.” Lacy Ball contributes to neighborsgo on behalf of the SPCA of Texas.
SANDRA FAY Columnist neighborsgo.com/blog/faybles
Gingrich to speak at Executive Summit charity luncheon Former U. S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich will speak at the inaugural Star Children’s Charity Executive Summit luncheon Thursday at the Frisco Conference Center/Embassy Suites Hotel. Dallas Morning News columnist and Newt Gingrich WBAP talk show host Mark Davis will be master of ceremonies of the program; Gingrich is expected to address the economy and the likely election Mark Davis outcome and its impact on businesses, individuals and public policy. Luncheon tickets are $250 with ascending prices for a VIP reception and sponsorships from $2,500 to $50,000. A luncheon table for 10 is included with Star Winter Ball sponsorships above $10,000. Visit starchildrens.com for reservations and sponsor opportunities.
Golden-Lab Rescue The DFW Metro Golden Retriever Rescue and the DFW Labrador Retriever Rescue organizations have planned their 16th annual Sporting Chance Golf Tournament for Oct. 3 at Prestonwood Country Club’s Hills Course in Plano. The all-volunteer organizations are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, foster care and placement of homeless labs and retreivers, about 350 each year. For sponsorships and registration visit golf4rescue.org or call Jill Singletary at 214-616-1164. Sandra Fay is a neighborsgo community columnist.