Better known as Purple Paws, the Purple Power Animal Welfare Society partners with other rescue groups around the area to help find safe homes for abused, mistreated or homeless dogs and cats.
One of the ways Purple Paws is able to help these animals find new homes is through donations. On Sunday, Delta Sigma Phi and Gamma Phi Beta paired together for the fourth year in a row to host Delta Sig Dogs, an event that raises money for animal rescue shelters like Purple Paws.
“I heard about it through a friend and I would really encourage everyone to come next year,” Rachel Ogren, freshman in family studies, said. “It was a blast and it supports such a great cause.”
For the past three years, the funds were donated to the local animal shelter Four Paws. Four Paws had to close the shelter recently, but according to Natalie Kutney, sophomore in nursing and Gamma Phi Beta’s External Philanthropy Chair, the change in organizations this year went very smoothly.
“We decided to support Purple Paws, because their passion for rescuing and finding safe homes for the animals was really heartwarming and moving to us,” Kutney said.
Purple Paws is a no-kill animal shelter where 100 percent of money donated to the organization goes directly back to helping animals in need. Animals in Purple Paws’ care are placed in foster homes until they can be adopted. While adoptable animals were present at the event for attendees to play with, people wishing to adopt a dog still had to go through Purple Paws’ adoption application which includes checking in with the adopter’s landlords and veterinarian to ensure that all adopted animals will get the best possible care.
Delta Sig Dogs was held at the Delta Sigma Phi house and had two tents for dogs, all-you-can-eat hot dogs and puppy chow, and a DJ jamming tunes on the roof of the fraternity’s house. The entrance fee was $5 or the purchase of a Delta Sig Dogs T-shirt or tank, which permitted puppy petting and food.
“People come to this event for puppies, food, music and a great time,” Kyle Elliott, sophomore in public relations, said. “The food is really good, there’s a ton of dancing and it’s just an overall great atmosphere.”
