Throw an outfit on your dog and help the Haines Animal Rescue Kennel build a veterinary clinic in Haines.
HARK’s pet fashion show starts 6 p.m. March 29 at Harriett Hall and includes an evening of costumed pets, a catered buffet-style dinner, a bar, and live and silent auctions.
“The intention of a local clinic is to improve the quality and the amount of services,” said executive director Steve Vick. Two travelling vets based elsewhere in Alaska and in Canada come to Haines a maximum of once a month.
One uses a space at the American Bald Eagle Foundation. The other works out of a gas station. A local clinic would help them “perform their work more efficiently and effectively,” Vick said.
HARK is hoping to get 15-20 pet participants in the show. “We’re open to all species of pets,” Vick said. Fashion show categories are: most Hawaiian, best catch (fishing theme), wearable art, and movie or superhero.
Vick estimates $60,000 to $70,000 is needed to get the clinic set up on HARK’s property on Small Tracts Road. An anonymous donor is willing to give $25,000 if that amount is matched by the community, he said
Ideally, an 8-by-40-foot clinic would be equipped with X-ray equipment, a surgery room, and a lab. HARK has been in touch with the organization “Clinic-in-a-Can,” which makes transportable, fully functional clinics.
The HARK board of directors has yet to determine whether it will rent, lease or contract with one or multiple vets for use of the clinic.
The fashion show kicks off HARK’s fundraising efforts.
HARK will use money it has been saving for the project, and may seek grants.
The cost estimate includes the structure, shipping, heating and cooling, electric, septic, water, and equipment. HARK is currently doing site work.
The pet fashion show will coincide with HARK’s annual member meeting, which will be held at 5:40 p.m. The 20-minute meeting is free and open to the public, although only members are eligible to vote.
The public is encouraged to attend. In addition to the fashion show, the event will also include a live and silent auction and a dinner catered by the Fireweed. The bar will include wine and beer. Door prizes, a short movie, and a surprise guest speaker are also scheduled for the evening.
Mayor Stephanie Scott is scheduled to judge the event, along with two others.
Tickets are available at The Babbling Book or HARK. Single, $35; couple, $50; family, $75. Fashion show entry is free.
To enter the competition or for information, call HARK at 766-3334.