Fur Ball, once again a blessing to local pets

Carol Stonesifer and Joe Carter enjoying Saturday’s Fur Ball. Photo by maplestreetpix.com

LPR staff
The Lockhart Fur Ball, heled Saturday night at Luling’s Zedler’s Mill, netted $67,500, about $27,000 more than last year’s event.
Fur Ball President Alex Worthington, also the Founder and President of the Lockhart Animal Foundation, said 155 people attended the event. As well as some of the dogs from the Lockhart Animal Shelter. Proceeds from the Fur Ball will benefit the Lockhart Animal Shelter.
“We will use it to build the catio, cat enclosure for the cats, so that they can get out of their cages for a couple of hours each day to exercise,” Worthington said. “Having this catio will keep them healthier and happier, which ups their chances for adoption. Plus, it gives families a place to interact with the cats/kittens before deciding to adopt.
“Also, the funds will be used for medical needs, including surgeries, medicines, more supplies for the surgical suite.”
Last year, the cost for pet boarding costs in Lockhart was $4,300 for 225 dogs. Worthington said, “Offsite boarding allowed the shelter to temporarily board animals that were awaiting transport out of the shelter while being able to house incoming animals and keep the number of kennels at a level that prevented euthanasia.”
Vet care, including spays and neuters, leg amputations, other surgeries, heartworm treatments, rabies vaccinations, etc. cost $14,541.88 for 28 dogs and three cats.
Surgical equipment and supplies to set up the new Surgical Suite at Lockhart Animal Shelter cost $20,225.56.
Health certificates for 660 dogs were $9,870. Such certificates are required for transport out of the shelter to other receivers. Total expenditures for 2024 were $48,397.44.
Worthington’s transporting of 87 dogs and eight cats to APA in Austin, Snipsa in San Antonio, and meeting receivers in New Braunfels were done not using money from the Fur Ball.