'For the love of a pet'

Oreo’s Animal Rescue is preparing to host the eighth annual “For the Love of a Pet” dinner and artisan auction on Valentine’s Day.

The social event starts with a champagne social at 5 p.m., followed by buffet dinner at 6 p.m. and auction at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Ramada Grand Dakota Lodge.

“It’s for anyone who wants to help support the care and needs of homeless animals in the area,” board member Shelley Quandt said.

Quandt said the fundraiser supports foster homes with supplies until a permanent home is found.

The funds also offset the expenses associated with spay and neutering and vaccination of adoptable pets.

“It’s to keep the adoption fees for people very low,” she said.

At any point in time, Oreo’s Animal Rescue has from 10 to 30 animals available for adoption, she said.

“We constantly have pets in need,” she said. “We have surrender pets on waiting lists, but we can take only so many as we have room for them,”

Quandt said these type of pets may be from families who recently moved to Dickinson, but can’t keep them.

“People are having trouble finding housing that allows pets,” she said.

Oreo’s always has a need for foster families willing to care for pets — be it the puppies and kittens or mature animals.

Oreo’s also has volunteers who go into the community through its outreach program.

“They help educate people about the humane treatment of animals, the importance of spay and neutering and the commitment to be a good owner,” she said.

Quandt encourages families to bring their children to the fundraiser.

“It’s a family friendly event and we have lots of things that kids enjoy,” she said.

Tickets are available at the West Dakota Veterinary Clinic or the State Farm office, 1091 Third Ave. W.

To view additional pets available for adoption, visit www.lovingpetsinneed.com.

Tags: lifestyle, dickinson