Robinson's Rescue Shows Out

Robinson's Rescue's is going home to Riverview Theater.

The sheaux has gone on at other venues for the past few years while the theater underwent extensive renovations. The Marlene Yu Museum housed the fundraiser several times, while The Lot served as the setting in June 2021.

Not only is the event moving back to the Riverview, the runway is back as well. This year's theme is "Homecoming," which promises to make a memorable evening.

Twelve of the area's puppy pals make up the Homecoming Court. As a special treat, one member of the homecoming royalty is a former shelter dog adopted after being featured at a previous Best in Sheaux. The contestants strut the catwalk in hopes of earning the title of Best in Sheaux at Robinson Rescue's 13th annual fundraiser.

The event also features special alumni guests – winners from past shows and a halftime show and shelter showcase of three adoptable Caddo Parish pooches.

Fairfield B&B owner Chef John Carriere is catering the event. Complimentary beer will be provided by Great Raft Brewing and wine supplied by Hilton Shreveport. Thrifty Liquor is also providing a cash bar option. And, as always, the event's signature Pink Poodle cocktail.

"It's going to be a lot of fun to see all of our donors together again and enjoy a fun night out," said Robinson's Rescue president Dr. Andrea Master-Everson.

After a virtual show in 2020 and a sponsor and VIP-only show in 2021, the event is again open to the public. Planners expect 600 guests at this year's event. Best in Sheaux is Saturday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Riverview Theater in downtown Shreveport. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased at BIS2022.givesmart.com or by texting BIS2022 to 76278. This will also be the link to purchase raffle tickets, dog votes, and bid on silent auction items once they go live on March 6.

A Best in Sheaux kick-off brunch will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Great Raft Brewing on Sunday, March 6. An introductory video of the runway dogs will premiere during brunch, and the event will go live online.

In addition, Marilynn's Place has a crawfish boil Thursday evening, March 10, and invited Robinson's Rescue to promote Best in Sheaux. Both events are open to the public.

Master-Everson says Best in Sheaux raises 25% of the non-profit's yearly funding. The clinic's mission is to "prevent pet overpopulation through high-quality, affordable spay and neuter surgeries while educating the community about responsible pet ownership."

The money raised helps make this mission a reality. Seventy-seven thousand spay/neuter surgeries have been performed during the clinic's 13 years, with 7,000 of those in 2021 alone. The numbers at local shelters decrease as, Master-Everson says, Robinson's increases its surgery numbers.

Robinson's Rescue offers several services to the public. The first is the low-cost spay/ neuter program. Master- Everson says that thanks to fundraising efforts such as Best in Sheaux, the non-profit has not raised costs. The $38 to $48 fee is based on the surgery needed and whether the patient is a canine or feline.

The facility also offers free spay/neuter services in the Subsidized Spay/Neuter Incentive Program (SSNIP). Local, lowincome pet owners may participate in this program and get a no-cost rabies vaccination for their cat or dog. Surgeries are also performed on feral animals. Finally, Robinson's participates in local animal wellness and animal information fairs through its Community Outreach Program. Residents receive education about spay/neuter and applications for free spay/neuter services through the program.

"Our need is growing. Our appointments book up in 30 minutes. So, the need is there," said Master- Everson. "We are hoping to grow and thankful for the community support of our group."

The clinic serves 15 rescues and shelters regularly. And starting July 1, a new Caddo Parish spay/neuter ordinance will increase demand. After the second time Caddo Animal Services answers a call about a nuisance pet, that animal must be spayed or neutered. The program is the first in the state, and its effectiveness will be evaluated in two years.

"They're not saying everyone needs to be spayed or neutered. They're just trying to decrease the number of animals on the street, in our shelters and causing problems in our community," Master-Everson said. "Since we're the only low-cost spay/neuter center, we're trying to plan effectively."