The ASPCI 4th Annual Mardi Paws Fur Ball fundraiser was held at Celebrations in Pell City on March 3. Through ticket sales, silent auction, and live auction of items donated by local businesses and individuals, ASPCI was able to meet their fundraising goal of $20,000.

The mission of ASPCI is “to be a premier provider of a safe, compassionate haven for canines and felines while they await placement into loving homes.” ASPCI is a local non-profit that began operation in St. Clair County and surrounding areas in 1995. They receive no government funding and are dependent on donations, grants, fees, and fundraising events, like the Mardi Paws Fur Ball. ASPCI does not operate a kennel facility, so are fully dependent on willing foster families.

Since 2016, ASPCI has fostered 365 animals and sold 419 spay and neuter certificates. Many of those animals that were adopted were featured in a photo slideshow projected onto a screen behind the stage.

Tammy Hart, the foster coordinator for ASPCI, told personal stories of several animals that were in danger of being euthanized until they were fostered and found permanent homes. Some may have health conditions or be senior dogs that may have difficulty being adopted. She told of a dog family of six, mom, dad, and four puppies that she personally fostered until the puppies were old enough to be adopted. All of the dogs found homes where they are being “pampered and loved.” These were just some of the success stories of which Hart spoke.

“When someone fosters a pet, they are usually with the family for around two weeks. We make sure they are provided with food, medication, and are vetted to match with the family,” Tammy Hart said. “You can be sure that they are going to be adopted to a good home, and the foster families will have room to save another.”

ASPCI also works with rescue centers and some local animal shelters to obtain adoptable dogs and puppies. After health exams, vaccinations, and any other needed treatment, animals are made available for adoption or transferred to other rescue or adoption agencies. Erin Layton is the van driver that makes trips to Atlanta to transport animals for adoption. In 2016, volunteers worked 7062 hours, through events, fostering, transportation, and selling spay and neuter certificates.

“Our foster program is unique. We arrange with rescues throughout the county that have the potential to get all of the pets adopted,” Barbara Wallace, president of ASPCI, said.

ASPCI also partnered with Lakeside Hospice in 2016 for the “Pet Peace of Mind” program that finds suitable foster families and adoptive homes for pets that need to be surrendered by individuals moving to care facilities. They also have a managed admission program for pet surrenders from owners if they have space with available foster families. Owners must submit an application online to surrender their animal.

These programs are only possible through donations and fundraising efforts. Over 176 attendees of the 2017 Mardi Paws Fur Ball were entertained by favorite local band “The Wingnuts,” headed by Judge Alan Furr, and treated to a catered dinner of shrimp and grits, red beans and rice, grilled chicken skewers, French green beans, roasted new potatoes, and various desserts provided by Craig and Michelle Frickey of Sammie’s Touch-N-Go and J&S Country Store. Other catering sponsors were Milo’s Tea Company, Lakeside Package, Barbara Turbville, and Helen Powell.

David Ramsey of Argo Auction volunteered his time to be the auctioneer for the evening, taking bids during the live auction of items donated by local businesses and individuals. “I have been very blessed and I am glad to give back,” Ramsey said. The auction was sponsored Kathy and John Garrison of Garrison Steel.

Through the generous donation of time, money, and auction items by local businesses and individuals, ASPCI will continue their mission of finding forever homes for canines and felines.

If you are interested in becoming an ASPCI volunteer, adopting a pet, or be considered as a foster family, you may apply online at www.ASPCI.org.