The second annual St. Paddy’s Day Pawty “Fun”draiser to benefit the Humane Society is happening at Wilderness Trail Distillery on March 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.

In 1972, Charlotte Bateman and a group of concerned citizens established the Danville-Boyle County Humane Society to care for homeless animals. Since then, the humane society has adapted to the community’s changing needs and evolved with innovations in the animal welfare field.

One of the most impactful updates is the advent of the Community Cat Program. In 2019, DBCHS discontinued trapping, impounding, and euthanizing outdoor cats, instead offering free spay/neuter surgery through the Community Cat Program, using Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR).

TNVR is the process by which cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their original location. Thanks to generous grants, our veterinary partners, and engaged Boyle County residents, 4,200+ cats were sterilized at low or no cost to their caretakers in the last five years.

It’s making a huge difference. In 2019-2020, the shelter euthanized almost 600 cats due to overcrowding, illness, or lack of available homes. Once the Community Cat Program caught on, the DBCHS euthanized only 80 cats between 2021 and 2023, an 86% decrease!

Wilderness Trail Distillery has graciously supported the Community Cat Program from the beginning, sponsored the catmobile van, and is a participant, too. Cooper, the beloved resident distillery cat, was harassed by the unfixed cats in the area, and the Community Cat Program came to the rescue.

Our TNVR specialist, Cody the Cat Man, humanely trapped and returned more than 10 fabulous felines to the distillery. Because the cats are sterilized and vaccinated, they do not reproduce, fight, or spread disease. Now, the cats live happily, keeping pests at bay, and have become a part of daily life at the distillery.

Let’s celebrate the community’s success at the Lucky Paws St. Paddy’s Day Pawty. There will be live music from Allison Stafford, Biscuits & BBQ, and cocktails are available for purchase.

Good times with good friends for a good cause! Wilderness Trail will hold a barrel pick, with some of the proceeds benefiting DBCHS. No registration or tickets are required.