Dressed to the K9s Makes a Big Impact for Shelter Pets
A Big Night for Shelter Pets
On September 19, animal lovers from across the Roaring Fork Valley gathered at TACAW for Dressed to the K9s, C.A.R.E.’s largest annual fundraiser. Once again, YOU showed just how much we can accomplish together for shelter pets.
Together, guests, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners helped raise more than $120,000 in support of C.A.R.E.’s Thumper Fund, helping ensure shelter pets can receive the extraordinary medical care they need on their journey toward healthy, happy, and thriving lives.
The Thumper Fund in Action
At the heart of Dressed to the K9s is the Thumper Fund, which provides lifesaving and specialized medical care for shelter pets facing needs beyond routine shelter care—from diagnostic testing and emergency procedures to surgeries, treatment, and recovery.
This year, guests got to see that impact firsthand when Olive and her person, Naomi, joined us for the evening. Olive came to C.A.R.E. needing significant medical care funded through the Thumper Fund. Seeing her return doing so well and surrounded by so much love was a powerful reminder of exactly what this fund (and the generosity behind it!) makes possible.
And our community answered the call. During the evening’s paddle raise, 30 guests raised their paddles at the $100 level, the most participation C.A.R.E. has ever seen at that level. Those donors were entered into a drawing for an unforgettable private dinner for four generously donated by Chef Mark Hardin of Field 2 Fork, adding a little extra excitement to an already meaningful moment.
More Than a Fundraiser
Of course, Dressed to the K9s wouldn’t be Dressed to the K9s without a little fun!
Guests enjoyed passed appetizers, a grazing station, and a delicious dinner from Simply Joy, followed by an evening full of entertainment, familiar faces, and of course, plenty of shelter pets.
Our Fashion & Fur runway brought plenty of personality to the stage, while Dance Initiative joined us for the first time with a special performance. Guests also rallied around our Cat Cash Wall, raising an incredible $4,200 toward new feline housing and enrichment at C.A.R.E.
We were also honored to recognize Lulu’s Thrift & Thrive as our 2026 Animaltarian of the Year, celebrating their dedication to C.A.R.E., shelter pets, and our community. Their generosity and partnership are wonderful examples of what it means to show up for animals and the people who love them.
The evening concluded with a dessert reception featuring sweet treats from Sunshine & Moons, giving guests one last chance to gather and toast to a successful night for shelter pets.
Made Possible By So Many
An evening like Dressed to the K9s takes an amazing group of businesses and partners behind the scenes.
We’re deeply grateful to our Best in Show sponsors: Alpine Bank, Roaring Fork Veterinary Surgery, Carbondale Animal Hospital, and Coldwell Banker Mason Morse; our Grand Champion sponsor: PNC Bank; and our Top Dog sponsor: DWC CPAs and Advisors.
Special thanks also go to Botanicals Floral Art for helping make the evening beautiful, Dance Initiative for bringing their talent to the stage, and AIRi Photo for providing nonprofit pricing and helping capture the celebration.
Our heartfelt thanks to our many in-kind supporters who helped bring the evening to life: Mountain Tide Provision Co., Lulu’s Thrift & Thrive, MOLLIE Aspen, Wheeler Opera House, Element Basalt, TACAW, Mezzaluna Willits, Sprazzo, Lulubelle, White House Pizza, Thunder River Theatre Company, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Ripple Effect Training, and Wolf Therapies.
And finally, thank you to every guest, donor, volunteer, and friend who joined us. Dressed to the K9s may be one night, but it’s impact continues every day in the lives of animals who come through C.A.R.E.’s doors.
(Event photography by Windfirm Photography)
