Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Clear Creek and Gilpin County. Last Saturday, March 30, 2019, Clear Creek High School hosted Friends of Charlie’s Place, and Dawn Dancing of Idaho Springs, in a colorful collage of spirited dance benefitting Charlie’s Place. The entertainment was followed by a raffle, with donations by local businesses and residents to support the cause.

The entertainment was directed and produced by Dawn Alley. Local belly dancer, Dawn Dancing, reflected cultural influences from American cabaret and square dancing to Latin, Egyptian and Indian belly dance and even a circus hoop routine. The professional and high energy performance was thoroughly enjoyed by the full auditorium of observers at Clear Creek High School. Jody Ferguson served as master of ceremonies, and Josh “D-Double-J” Reagon provided sound tech.

Local businesses including Dogma, Dancing Dog Pet Supplies, NYC Dance, Roundabout Burgers, Square Peg Catering, The Soap Shop, Yoga with Makayla Raine, Unicorn Belly Dance Supplies, Wanderlust Market and Happy Cooker, donated goods and services for the raffle.

Friends of Charlie’s Place, FOCP, is a non-profit designed to support the mission of the non-kill shelter, Charlie’s Place, out of Dumont, Colorado. FOCP is staffed solely by volunteers. They support the companion animals through fundraisers, like this one, volunteering, donating, fostering and even visiting with the animals temporarily placed at the shelter.

It may be difficult to imagine as residents of a state as pet friendly as Colorado that homeless animals in other states, even animals as popular as puppies and kittens, run a high risk of euthanization at kill shelters.

Transferring animals to pet friendly regions is a regular practice but can be costly. FOCP helps with making these transfers possible.

Pets at Charlie’s Place receive medical and dental care, as needed. Animals who lack social skills receive training to increase their adoptability.

Charlie’s Place offers services to the community as well. Low cost vaccination clinics occur the first Sunday of every month. Spay and neuter vouchers are available through FOCP starting at $60 off and more depending on income. Humane trap loans and microchipping are available at the shelter as well.

If you have been considering adopting a pet, now might be a great time. Charlie’s Place is offering $25 off adoption fees through April 15, 2019.
To find out more about Friends of Charlie’s Place visit: www.friendsofcharliesplace.org

For more information about Charlie’s Place visit: www.charliesplaceshelter.org or call 303-567-4859
Dawn Dancing can be found on Facebook or on GigSalad at www.gigsalad.com