Written by Jade Strack, photos by Elise Mullen
This Saturday, May 4, the Savannah Kennel Club hosted their first annual Kentucky Derby Paw-ty. Dogs of all shapes and sizes, along with their owners or foster parents came with an assortment of fantastical hats for a grand time at the Kentucky Derby themed fundraiser. Right down the street from Alexander Hall at the Ghost Coast Distillery, the event went off without a hitch as both people and dogs had a ball.
“The Kentucky Derby has been around for a long time and the Kennel Club has been around since 1935, so I thought [it was] a great opportunity to bring these two groups together,” said Donna Merkle, event coordinator and board member of the Savannah Kennel Club. The fur-tastic event held raffles, auctions and even a Derby 50/50 pot. A large portion of the proceeds from the event benefited foundations such as Fetch Canine Rehab and BFW Rescue, while ten percent contributed to the Kennel Club’s macitence and goals.
“Our club is focused on improving human/canine bonds, preservation of pure-breed dogs and promoting responsible dog ownership. Throughout the year, we offer canine-friendly activities and events throughout the community. A portion of all of our proceeds we raise go toward local rescues and shelters,” said Kathryn Palmer, Savannah Kennel Club President. The Kennel Club serves all around Savannah and partners with students. Allyson Mote, a second year illustration major, became an active member of the Kennel Club after registering her dog, Luna, as an ESA (Emotional Support Animal).
“I reached out to people in Savannah for help and the American Kennel Club President, down here in Savannah, responded right away and helped me train Luna,” Mote said.
A number of SCAD students helped facilitate the event. Anna Dixon, a third year illustration major, created the poster for the Kentucky Derby Paw-ty. Another volunteer, Joe Bennett, a first year film and television major, emceed the entire event. “I’d love to see more,” Merkle said, in reference to the number of SCAD students within the club. Not only do students have the opportunity to work alongside furry canine friends, but there are lots of opportunities for students within the club that pertain to their field of study.
The Savannah Kennel Club holds events all over town. “I moved to Savannah because I love what a dog-oriented community it is and that’s why I wanted to start doing more community events,” Merkle said. “We have more businesses here in the community where we can take our dogs, and that’s what I really want; people to take their dogs and do stuff with them.”
The first annual Kentucky Derby Paw-ty went over pawfectly with an amazing community turnout. There were smiling faces and waging tails all around.
