Hot dog fundraiser supports dogs
LAKE MILTON
A fundraiser offered something for both dog supporters and hot-dog lovers.
Legacy Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization that helps dogs in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, sponsored its first Hot Diggity Dog Day at Lil Paws Winery, 17574 Mahoning Ave., Saturday afternoon.
“We fund-raise constantly,” said Erin Yale of Niles, who works for the dog rescue.
Attendees could purchase five hot-dog tastes paired with five wine tastes. There also was a bucket auction.
Hot-dog types such as BLT hot dogs, sloppy joe dogs, Mexican dogs, Buffalo chicken dogs, veggie dogs and dessert dogs were featured at the event.
“I like events at wineries,” said Kristal Ruggles of Ravenna, who was trying a dessert dog. “Especially if they support dogs.”
Ruggles said she owns two dogs, a cocker spaniel named Maggie and a Labrador retriever puppy named Mollie. She brought her grandparents, Joanne and Bob Davenport from Streetsboro, to the event.
“We support rescue groups,” Joanne said.
The Davenports own two Labradors named Dream and Chip. The two have owned other dogs previously, some that have won one of the dog shows at the Steel Valley Cluster, which will take place again this year at the Canfield Fairgrounds starting July 30.
Legacy Dog Rescue has had other events in the past two years with the winery such as a holiday wine tasting and Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser.
“We have a great partnership with the winery,” said Paula Cipriano of Austintown, who is a dog-rescue member.
Nan Johnson of Alliance, who is a co-founder of the winery, said it’s a team effort to throw fundraisers with the dog rescue.
The winery, which is filled with photographs of dogs, serves wines named after rescued dogs such as Phoebe, a Chardonnay.
“Legacy Dog is very wonderful,” she said.
Close to 100 people attended the event, raising nearly $800, Cipriano said.
Proceeds from the hot dogs and wine tastes will help the nonprofit handle the costs of food and health care for dogs placed in foster homes.
The nonprofit is assisting about 15 to 20 dogs that are living in about 15 homes, Yale said.
The dog rescue’s next event will feature a wedding between two dogs named Bear and Izzy, both shepherd mixes, at the Learning Dog Training and Enrichment Center, 751 N. Main St., in Hubbard from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22.
The dogs were picked up together from the street and have been in foster care for about two years. The event will feature a reception with food, beverages and an auction.