Village Playhouse goes to the dogs

October 1, 2014

By Tony Pearson

“Rescue Me” blared out over the Bancroft Playhouse sound system as “Runway for Runaways”, Saturday’s fashion show on behalf of Home Again animal rescue, came to an end.

Photos of successful rescues, plus some living examples, took the stage as it was announced that the event had raised more than $12,000.

The event also raised the roof at the Playhouse. Led by lively MC Pippa Strachan, a capacity crowd (over 90% women) sang, cheered, and danced in the aisles as local ladies showed off casual, business, and leisure wear from four local boutiques: Zihua’s, West Wind, Posies, and The Old Tin Shed. The cheers were particularly loud when one of the two male models, Jay Martin, showed off his biceps, and when he modeled a pair of fishing-themed shorts with the tag “Nice Bass” on the rear.

Event organizer Lesley Ferrier, who was assisted by Vicky Martin and Dawn Dennebold, “and so many others” as she noted, declared that she was thrilled at the support shown. “The vibe in the Playhouse was spectacular,” she stated. “Moreover, it was impressive to see how our community comes together to meet needs – not only at our show, but with so many events.”

Home Again, which deals with both dogs and cats, puts the funds raised directly toward the needs of the animals they take in.

Their annual veterinary bills amount to more than $70,000, and pet food and supplies add another $7,000 to their costs. They carry out their work with no paid staff, and no permanent shelter; all rescued animals are boarded by volunteer foster households until a ‘forever home’ can be found.

Thanks were given to the overall event sponsor, Homes and Land Magazine, as well as the clothing stores involved, the restaurants who provided the refreshments – the Bancroft Eatery, the Granite, the Blue Roof, Pizza Pizza, and Mirrors – and additional contributors.

The rescue animals who came on stage – beagle Daisy, papillon Perry, poodle/chihuahau Lulu, and shih tzu Mitzi – showed their appreciation by their exemplary behaviour; they were far quieter than the audience, but no less warm.