Paw-tastic Carnivale events raising money for Paws and Claws shelter

Two paw-tastic Carnivale events are raising money for a local animal shelter.

The Paws and Claws Gala Luncheon is set to be held this Sunday 16 May at Zinc Restaurant Port Douglas while Dogs’ Day Out is on Saturday 22 May at Jalunbu Park Port Douglas.

The events will raise money for the Paws and Claw animal shelter which is in the midst of building a purpose-designed shelter for homeless and abandoned animals in Craiglie.

“With the shelter well on the way now, it’s important for the funds to keep coming in as we get closer to opening,” said Paws and Claws president Michael Kerr.

“All the fundraising we can do is paramount at the moment.”

Beginning at 12 noon on Sunday, guests to the Gala Luncheon will be treated to a three-course meal, with entertainment by Melbourne band Sour Grapes and a special guest performance by Wonderland Spiegeltent performers.

“We wanted to have an annual gala dinner, but COVID threw things into a spin so we have reduced the gala to a lunch event instead which has proven rather popular,” said Kerr.

“It’s a great opportunity to get together and have a great day whilst raising money for this great charity.

“Zinc has been fantastic and really shown what an amazing business it is by offering to donate all the food takings back to the organisation, ensuring we will have a very successful day.”

The second event, the Dogs’ Day Out is a party in the park for dogs and their owners.

There are prizes for the cutest, ugliest and naughtiest dog, best dog trick, best dressed and best-groomed dog and the dog with the “waggiest” tail.

The owner-dog lookalike competition will see who matches their canine friend the most, the best dog trick will be chosen and one perfect pooch will be named the Douglas Top Dog. The event will include games for pets and people plus stalls, treats and entertainment.

Animal lovers are encouraged to get involved and help raise funds for Paws and Claws’ new home, set to open later this year.

“The works are well on the way for the shelter and at this stage, we are looking at opening at the start of August. It’s been a long road and we are very excited about finally getting to this point,” said Kerr.

“A huge thank you to all the businesses who continue to support us in our efforts to get the facility open. Without the generous donations and in-kind contributions, we could not have even dreamed of getting to this point."