The Crookston Humane Society, Scruffy Tails, will have a fundraising event on Sunday, September 17, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill.
The Scruffy Tails shelter is currently at total capacity for pet housing, and this fundraiser is an effort for community members to come out and either donate to the top or adopt a pet. “Our shelter is currently at capacity for animals, and we have a very high cost associated with that,” said Director of Scruffy Tails Ana Gustafson, “This is to help us cover some of those and provide care for all of the animals with us.” The shelter reportedly has twelve dogs and over twenty cats that reside at the shelter.
Drafts Sports Bar and Grill is partnering with Scruffy Tails for this fundraiser, and they will be having a Corn Dog Basket special for five dollars during Sunday’s event. “They (Drafts) were talking to us about things they could do to help us with the shelter because they knew we were at capacity and we’ve been struggling a little bit,” said Gustafson, “They were kind enough to help out with this fundraiser.”
Drafts are also allowing Scruffy Tails to bring dogs from the shelter to their patio located just outside of the restaurant, making the facility “pet friendly” for the duration of the event.
Donations will be accepted on Sunday if folks are not interested in pet adoption. “We’ll have a box for donations, and we understand that everyone can’t have a pet in their household for various reasons,” said Gustafson, “Even if this is something where you just want to support the shelter, this is a great opportunity because by coming out to Drafts not just for the specials their offering, but because their donating ten percent of the profits for everything else. So even if you just come out for a meal, you’re not only supporting a local business but also the shelter.” For those attending, Scruffy Tails is not only accepting money donations but also physical donations. Physical donations include food, toys, and other valuable resources that can be applied to pets.
Ana Gustafson will be attending the event along with two other staff members of Scruffy Tails and board members.
Along with Sunday’s fundraiser, Scruffy Tails is working on renovating the downstairs portion of the facility. They have recently worked with Northern Lumber, who are working on a rough draft/sketch of the potential layout of the Scruffy Tails basement, along with an estimated project cost.
Gustafson stated the space will include adding additional kennel spaces for dogs, new flooring, and walls for the facility. “Once we get the actual estimate, I have several grants that I’m working on, and we will be applying for local funding,” said Gustafson, “We will be holding a fundraiser specifically for that project because it is a huge undertaking, but a necessary undertaking.” Scruffy Tails staff believes the basement renovations will help ensure the animals’ safety and reduce infection risks.
