Dress up for a second chance at rescue’s Wear It Again Gala

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

That wedding dress, bridesmaid gown or special-occasion outfit tucked away in the closet could help give a rescue dog a fresh start.

Rescued Paws at Alpine Foundation is inviting residents to its first Wear It Again Gala on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 in Strathmore. 

The evening will raise money for veterinary care while giving guests a reason to wear something they rarely get to take out.

Founder and president Kyla Janes said the idea dates back about 13 years, when she and a few friends organized a gathering for women who wanted another chance to wear their wedding and bridesmaid dresses. Around 40 attended the celebration at the Legion.

Now she is bringing the idea back as a fundraiser for the rescue. The foundation hopes to raise at least $5,000 toward a veterinary bill sitting at approximately $8,000.

“We would like to be able to fundraise at least $5,000 to help us pay our vet bill, which is currently sitting around $8,000.” Janes said.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $95 and include a served chicken dinner with sides, dessert and a drink ticket. A silent auction and 50/50 draw will also help raise money throughout the evening. The foundation is still accepting silent auction donations.

Behind the evening’s dress-up theme are medical expenses that can quickly add up.

Janes pointed to Polly, a dog surrendered to the rescue with a mass on her back that the organization had not been told about beforehand.

“When I got her, we were not informed about a big mass that was on her back,” she said.

Removing the mass and sending it for a biopsy cost approximately $2,000. In another case, a puppy’s fractured tooth required an extraction costing about $1,100.

Those unexpected bills go beyond what adoption fees cover, Janes said. Senior dogs can also need ongoing care and treatment, adding to the rescue’s fundraising needs.

The work began in 2019, Janes said, and grew during the pandemic after she and her husband helped find homes for dogs whose families could no longer care for them.

Along with financial support, the foundation needs foster homes suited to the different dogs coming into its care.

“Every dog is different and then every home is different,” Janes said. 

Some dogs need a home where they are the only pet, while others benefit from being around other friendly animals. Having a range of foster homes available helps the rescue find the right fit and make room for another dog in need.

Donations of collars, leashes, treats and other dog supplies are also welcome.

For gala guests, the invitation is simple: look through the closet and bring out an outfit that deserves another evening out.

Tickets and information about the gala, fostering and adoption are available at their website (rescuedpaws@alpine.com).