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Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsLocal newsBarks and Brews Raises Funds for Animal Welfare Center

Barks and Brews Raises Funds for Animal Welfare Center

Dylan Garner has an armful of love from a small puppy, one that is ready to be adopted or flown to the states at the Paws From Paradise booth. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Dylan Garner gets an armful of love from a small puppy, one that is ready to be adopted or flown to the states at the Paws From Paradise booth. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

More than 200 people gathered on a beautiful Saturday for the Barks and Brews Fall Festival, a benefit for the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, held at Leatherback Brewing Company.

Paws From Paradise showcased puppies and information about their program, which airlift animals from St. Croix to partner rescue organizations in the states for adoption. An offshoot of Animal Welfare Center, they have saved the lives of hundreds of homeless animals. According to their website, this is “St. Croix’s only animal air transport program.” The website says the group flies more than 40 dogs and cats per month to 40 rescue partners in the continental U.S.

“Many more pets are awaiting to participate in this lifesaving program,” the website says.

Under a large tent, the pie baking contest drew people to sample and bid on the diverse entries. A lemon meringue pie was the second place winner, but it drew the highest purchase price at $100.

Sue Brown, long time veterinary tech for the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, plays with Medusa who is hoping for a family. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Sue Brown, longtime veterinary tech for the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, plays with Medusa who is hoping to find a family. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

Three judges, Sean Skerrett, Jean Bishop and Aaron Hutchins, using a 1-10 scoring system selected the winners from among 17 contestants. First place went to Dr. Michelle Mehalick for her chocolate pecan caramel pie, second place to Stephanie Welty Ahrens for a lemon meringue pie and third place to Laura Ballard for a red hot candy apple pie. The People’s Choice was an apple pie by Pamela Hall Peacock.

An art tent was popular with both children and adults as they created fall themed decorations, mostly painting an collage on wooden boards, using recycled pallet boards and other repurposed wood. Some of the artwork was donated for sale during the event.

Budding artist Caitlin Amanda Kuczynski uses bright paints to enhance her fall decoration. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Budding artist Caitlin Amanda Kuczynski uses bright paints to enhance her fall decoration. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

Good food, lots of people, live music by Michael Justis and plenty of puppies, dogs and birds gave the day a bright and colorful flare as donations for the St. Croix animal shelter came in. According to SCAWC, about $3,000 was raised. This will helps support the Low Cost Clinic and the Pet Place, both at Five Corners. Clinic hours are from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Afternoons are filled with spay and neuters as well as other surgeries. Appointments are recommended, although they do take walk-ins. The clinic number is 340-778-1651.

Haley Olson has a laugh as she holds a big parrot. The SCAWC treats all types of animals, not just dogs and cats. Mike Yearick and Sarah Klink, the bird’s owners watch. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Haley Olson ,center, laughs as she holds a big parrot. The SCAWC treats all types of animals, not just dogs and cats. Mike Yearick and Sarah Klink, the bird’s owners watch. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Trixi Fanelli, Dr. Michelle Mehalick, and Rosa Bellamafia discuss little Snoopy, who is available for adoption. Trixi and Rosa are among the many volunteers who make the work of SCAWC possible. Dr. Mehalick provides the medical care necessary, often evenings, nights and weekends as well as during regular office hours. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Trixi Fanelli, from left, Dr. Michelle Mehalick, and Rosa Bellamafia discuss little Snoopy, who is available for adoption. Fanelli and Bellamafia are among the many volunteers who make the work of SCAWC possible. Dr. Mehalick provides the medical care necessary, often evenings, nights and weekends as well as during regular office hours. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Shelby is the center of attention with her calm ways and original costume. Enjoying Shelby’s company are, from left, JoAnne MCjunkin, Niah Spitz, Fiona Gilbert and Hazel Gilbert. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Shelby is the center of attention with her calm ways and original costume. Enjoying Shelby’s company are, from left, JoAnne MCjunkin, Niah Spitz, Fiona Gilbert and Hazel Gilbert. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Waiting patiently, a young dog looks for just the right family to adopt. It is not unusual for the animals to choose their own family. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Waiting patiently, a young dog looks for just the right family. It is not unusual for the animals to choose their own family. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Jayden Razavich lets Patrick John Gilbert hold the leash of Pip, a foster dog. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Jayden Razavich lets Patrick John Gilbert hold the leash of Pip, a foster dog. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Painting fall decorations, Maeve McKinnon is serious about her work. Many of the fall themed art works were sold and the funds donated by their creators to SCAWC. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Painting fall decorations, Maeve McKinnon is serious about her work. Many of the fall themed art works were sold and the funds donated by their creators to SCAWC. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Pies line the table during the pie baking contest and silent auction. Tastes were available. Trixi Fanelli, a SCAWC volunteer, holds up a ticket as Catherine Willey takes a taste. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Pies line the table during the pie baking contest and silent auction. Tastes were available. Trixi Fanelli, a SCAWC volunteer, holds up a ticket as Catherine Willey takes a taste. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Ten year old Shelby is dressed for the day to the delight of many. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Ten year old Shelby is dressed for the day to the delight of many. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
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