According to SPCA of Texas Board Chair Hiren Patel,
“When we think about the SPCA of Texas’ annual Fur Ball, most of us picture a night of fancy dress, delicious food, dancing and exciting auction items—oftentimes the highlight of our fall social calendar. Although Fur Ball is all those things and more, the event is, importantly, a night to raise critical funds that allow the SPCA of Texas to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving homes for our four-legged, furry companions who have had a rough start in life.
“Fur Ball celebrates the critical work the SPCA of Texas does to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home. It makes me think about the case of Ellie, a beautiful, 80 plus-pound, Great Pyrenees Mix, SPCA of Texas brought in earlier this year.
“It all began on Tuesday, April 25, when Ellie came in as a stray, extremely dirty and with a sever flea infestation. She calmly let staff members, who knew she was exhausted, examine, bathe and treat her. In doing so, the veterinary team learned sweet Ellie was pregnant.
“Shortly after Ellie arrived, it was clear that the mom-to-be needed a calmer, quieter environment than a shelter kennel. One of the SPCA of Texas’ administrative staff members volunteered an office as a more comfortable place for Ellie to give birth.
“With great care, the animal care team moved this larger-than-life momma into that office. Throughout the day, staff members from almost every department stopped by to check on Ellie—to see if they could help in any way.
“The next morning, Thursday, May 11, 2023, SPCA of Texas Human Resources Director Suzanne Richardson arrived close to 7 a.m. Of course, her first stop was to look in on Ellie. ‘I felt just like a grandma when I saw them!’ she smiled. ‘I ran to the Animal Care Center and I’m sure I shouted, “The dog had puppies!” to the Center Supervisor and Specialist. We all set off for the office and they went in and helped Ellie.’
“Ellie gave birth to 12 puppies, 10 of which survived. Ellie was a wonderful mother, loving and nurturing each puppy, making sure everyone got enough to eat.
“The 10 puppies have been adopted into forever homes, and Ellie is in foster care with a dedicated volunteer hoping to find her loving family. This is only one instance of thousands that exemplifies the SPCA of Texas’ mission in action. I hope you’ll all join the SPCA of Texas’ celebration of transformations like Ellie’s at Fur Ball this year!
“The 2023 SPCA of Texas Fur Ball, where you can help make a huge difference in the lives of so many animals, is Friday, October 20th, at The Factory in Dallas, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. This black-tie gala, co-chaired by Christie and Elbert Choi, Honorary Chair Jack D. Knox, promises to be one you won’t forget!
“Please visit furballdallas.com to learn how you can support Fur Ball and the SPCA of Texas.”
* Photo provided by SPCA of Texas
