Who can resist these faces? -- Zeke Taylor's artwork graces this poster kicking off the Good Shepherd Humane Society's first "Dog Days of Summer" fundraiser.

The Good Shepherd Humane Society (GSHS) recently introduced a variety of new fundraising programs to benefit its animal shelter. Kicking off during the "Dog Days of Summer," the various programs include a gala party, a pet picnic, a pet calendar and the Bone Appet't partnership with local restaurants.

Gala Pawloosa, Aug. 15

Society supporters are invited to cure the summertime blues at Gala Pawloosa, which will feature music performed by Opal Fly while partyers eat, drink and make merry. Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, a $50 donation will buy two free drinks, scrumptious food and a wonderful evening. A live auction will be conducted between Opal Fly's sets.

A cocktail hour for "Big Dawg" patrons, featuring jazz duo Terri Bradt and Gus Smith, will precede the main event at 5. For $200, "Big Dawgs" will feast on special dishes and drink all night for free.

Gala Pawloosa will be held at The Space at 2 Pine St. Call Tracellen Kelly at 253-9115 for tickets and information.

Paw-Pourri Picnic, Aug. 10

Local dogs are encouraged to bring their people to Van Pelt Stadium from 1 to 5 p.m. for a Sunday afternoon of furry fun on Aug. 10. The picnic will feature dog contests, pet weddings, professional photos, a doggie kissing booth and all kinds of pet-centric events. Attendees are invited to bring a pooch and picnic lunch, or buy it there. Admission is free with entry fees for some events.

2009 Pet Calendar

Good Shepherd is currently producing a full-color calendar featuring local pets. For a $25 donation, your pet's picture and name will appear on the date of your choosing, providing that date is still available. Group shots are acceptable.

For a $200 donation, your pet can also be a featured Pet of the Month, with a full-page spread; the front cover is $500, all on a first-come, first-served basis. The $20 calendars, which will be available in late September, will be offered at the Doggie Shop or any Community First Bank.

Photos should be submitted in jpg format, with your name and phone number, to bill.king@att.net. Send $25 per photo to: GSHS Calendar, P.O. Box 285, Eureka Springs, AR 72632.

The postmark will determine priority for date selections. Print photos may also be submitted with the entry fee. The deadline is Aug. 25.

Blessing Of The Animals, Aug. 10

Local clergy are being asked to acknowledge, during Sunday sermons, the joy animals bring to our lives, and our responsibilities in caring for them, and to pass the plate to benefit shelter animals.

Bone Appetit

This ongoing fundraiser is a great excuse to eat out. Local restaurants will select days to donate a portion of proceeds to GSHS. In exchange, Good Shepherd will promote the restaurants on the Doggie Shop marquee sign and in local media. Animal lovers are encouraged to support participating restaurants, which can be identified by Bone Appetit window stickers. Restaurant owners wishing to participate should call Tracellen Kelly at 253-9115.

The Good Shepherd Humane Society operates the only animal shelter in Carroll County, but receives no money from local government. Last year, the shelter took in 892 animals and found loving homes for 732. The Society also operates an in-house, low-cost spay and neuter clinic, yearly low-cost rabies clinics, and a microchip program to help reunite lost pets with their families. These vital operations are totally dependent on the support of the community.