By Krys Estes
Contributing Writer
Two local rescue groups have come together to support the cause of saving lives — both human and animal. Bow Wow Luau and Cat’s Meow, an organization that raises and donates funds to several local animal rescue facilities, and Friends of Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue created a partnership in the making of a 12-month calendar for its first year in 2016.
The two organizations partnered after both attending a national conference in Las Vegas in 2015. Alongside members of Wrightsville Beach’s national award-winning 2015 lifeguard team, the calendar features rescued dogs and cats that were recently adopted during the Bow Wow Luau and Cat’s Meow’s fundraising event, which takes place annually in Wrightsville Beach; during a Heidi’s Hope for Homeless Animals, Inc. event; or pets that are currently up for adoption with Paws Place Dog Rescue, All 4 Cats, Animal Avengers or Monty’s Home. The calendar, shot by photographer T.J. Drechsel, features well-known Wrightsville Beach locations.
“Images in the calendar portray just a sample of the life-saving magic that happens thanks to caring supporters,” said Trish Arnold, who founded the Bow Wow Luau and Cat’s Meow in 2008. “The theme of the calendar for the year 2016 is that every life matters and we want to save all lives. Each photo depicts a moment in a life worth saving, a life worth living and thanks to our supporters who have given animals a second chance with loving families.”
The Wrightsville Beach 2016 Rescue Calendar is now on sale in stores for $20. Sale locations around Wrightsville Beach include Aussie Island Surf Shop, Roberts Grocery, Sweetwater Surf Shop and Woof Gang Bakery. The calendar may also be purchased online at http://wboceanrescue.com
“We are getting amazing feedback from the community on these calendars and plan on selling them throughout the year and every year,” Arnold said. “We hope to get the calendars in more venues.”
The proceeds from the calendar sales will be split between the two rescue groups — Bow Wow Luau and the Cat’s Meow to save the lives of homeless and abused dogs and cats in the community and Friends of Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue to promote water safety and provide support to the Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue competition team.
For more information on the Bow Wow Luau and Cat’s Meow and its annual fundraising event, visit www.TheBowWowLuau.com
