Purr-fect Evening at Paws Cause 2022

(The Rustic, 3656 Howell St.) Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 6PM-9PM – The Summer heat may have fired up early, but so did the food, fun and fur at The Rustic on the first day of Summer, June 21, 2022, for the SPCA of Texas’ Paws Cause event. Guests were greeted by two blue-eyed mixed breed puppies, refreshing beverages and the shade from a bevy of beautiful old Oak trees that provided a welcome canopy over the patio area. There was more than one excited hug as the over 100 guests gathered to witness a new generation of animal advocates take up the Paws Cause torch: the SPCA of Texas’ Young Professionals group.

Guests pulled themselves away from the puppies to follow the wafting smell of delicious food and happily chatted as DJ Fugue provided an upbeat backdrop for the festivities and guests thronged to take part in the Bone Appétit wine and restaurant gift card raffle.

As the sultry sun gently glided down below the horizon of Uptown Dallas, SPCA of Texas President & CEO, Karen Froehlich, SPCA of Texas VP of Development, Amanda Rainey, and Paws Cause Co-Chairs Whitney Eichinger and Sydnie Shimkus kicked off the evening, thanking attendees, the event committee, sponsors and supporters for coming together to benefit the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Care Clinic at Village Fair and to support the efforts of the Southern Dallas Initiative. Co-Chair Whitney Keltch Green, having recently welcomed two new precious two-legged children into her family, cheered on the event from close by.

Froehlich asked the crowd for a moment of silence to recognize the passing of a giant in the world of animal protection and animal law, Robert “Skip” Trimble. Skip was a founder of Paws Cause, and his tireless work to prevent animal cruelty and strengthen animal cruelty laws in Texas will live on through many who will continue this critical work.

The two co-chairs then made a very special announcement, presenting the Mary Spencer Humanitarian Award to partner and the only Texas-based organization focused on addressing unjust state animal welfare laws that works to stop animal cruelty and abuse before it starts, Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN).

Upon receiving the award, Steve Hurst, THLN’s Board President, and Jaime Olin, THLN’s Legislative Chair, animatedly described their organization’s latest two victories, the passage of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act on the state level, governing the restraint of outdoor dogs, and the implementation of the Dallas Humane Pet Store Ordinance, which bans the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores and prevents cruel breeding practices.

All proceeds from the Paws Cause event benefit the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Care Clinic at Village Fair and fund spay and neuter efforts in the Dallas community. This includes the SPCA of Texas’ programs that aim to support the pets and people of Southern Dallas to help address the serious stray animal, pet homelessness and pet overpopulation issues, also supporting the preservation of the bond between pets and people and keeping pets and the community healthy and safe. 

Paws Cause 2022 was a tail-wagging success thanks to Chairs Whitney Eichinger, Sydnie Shimkus and Whitney Keltch Green, and the Event Committee, made up of SPCA of Texas Young Professionals members Ally Dinkle, Vanessa Farris, Shannon Long and Claire Robinson.

The SPCA of Texas is grateful for the tremendous support of its Paws Cause sponsors, including: Emerald Cat’s Meow Sponsor: Russell E. Dealey – Philanthropy for Animals; Platinum Pooch Sponsors: Marsha Pendleton-Gray And Dr. Richard Gray; Diamond Collar Sponsors: Radley London And Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center; Gold Leash Sponsors: Andrea Alcorn, Gwen And Leldon Echols, Lisa Simon, Melissa And Bill Transier, And Mary And Skip Trimble; Silver Whisker Sponsors: Northern Trust Dallas And Michael Rowan Ministries; Bronze Bowl Sponsors: Steve Atkinson And Ted Kincaid, Andie Comini, KCA Design, Sandra And Colin Fite, Gus Hinojosa, Ann Marcus, Delaney Naumann, Whitney Eichinger And Chief, Bell Nunnally, Bill Driscoll, Steve Kemble And Chad Collom, And Kristen And Scott Greenberg; And Venue Sponsor: The Rustic. The SPCA of Texas also thanked Geico for providing adorable gecko hand fans to help keep everyone cool.

Attendees included Andrea Alcorn, Judge Clay Jenkins, Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia, Steve Atkinson and Ted Kincaid, John Ackerman, Shelby Bobosky, Brian Curtis, Russell E. Dealey, Andie Comini, Sandra Fite, Kristen Greenberg, Phyllis Comu, Giana DePaul, Dr. Kelton Ely, Marsha Pendleton-Gray And Dr. Richard Gray, Bill Driscoll, Gus Hinojosa, Don and Cindy Lindsley, Guy Heartfield, Jonathan Kelly and Kim Morris.

Photo credit Thomas Garza Photography.