
Photo Gallery: How Abilene’s Fur Ball Helps Save Homeless Animals
How I Ended Up Living in a Dog Kennel for the Sake of Abilene’s Animals
Rescue the Animals has been a part of the Big Country for as long as I can remember, working tirelessly to save dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies from being put down at the Abilene Animal Shelter. It’s a mission that’s close to my heart because I believe we were put on this Earth to take care of animals, and in return, they take care of us.
I’ve always been passionate about helping animals, but I didn’t want to just talk about it, I wanted people to feel what these animals go through. That’s why, in the early 2000s, I took things to an extreme.
Sleeping in a Kennel to Prove a Point
To bring awareness to the overwhelming number of animals being euthanized, I lived inside one of the shelter kennels from Thursday morning until 6 PM on Saturday. No bed. No comfort. Just the cold, hard concrete floor, exactly how these dogs lived every single day. The only time I was let out was to use the restroom.
It was a humbling experience. It made me realize just how important it is to get these animals adopted, spayed, or neutered to prevent even more from ending up in shelters.
Chained to a Doghouse on a Busy Abilene Street
If that wasn’t enough to get people’s attention, I took it a step further. I chained myself to a doghouse at the corner of Southwest Drive and Catclaw Drive for three days. During that time, I barked at passing cars, yelled for attention, and even broadcasted live from my "doghouse" just to make sure people in West Texas got the message, we have to treat our animals better.
The Fur Ball: A Party for Pets and Their People
When Rescue the Animals started hosting the Fur Ball, a dinner and dance for people and their dogs, I knew I had to be part of it. I’ve been emceeing the event since it started, and every year, it just keeps getting bigger and better.
All of these efforts, the kennel stay, the doghouse stunt, and the Fur Ball, have helped raise awareness and much-needed funds to support animal rescues, shelters, and spay/neuter programs across West Texas. These events make it possible to provide care for homeless, sick, injured, and abandoned animals in need of love and a second chance.
Join Us for the 2025 Fur Ball: "Howling for Homeless Animals"
This year’s Rescue the Animals SPCA Fur Ball is set for Saturday, February 15, 2025, and we’re bringing a fun new theme: "Howling for Homeless Animals." That’s right, it’s Halloween in February. See how much fun the Fur Ball is in the photo gallery below. Plus, ticket info below as well.
These Fur Babies Are ready To Party
LOOK: The 2025 Haunted Halloween Furball
You don’t want to miss it because:
- Perini Ranch Steakhouse will be catering the meal.
- KC the DJ will be spinning the tunes.
- There will be a dance contest and a costume contest, so come dressed to impress!
How to Get Your Tickets
Tickets sell out fast every year, so make sure to grab yours early:
- $40 for adults
- $20 for kids 12 and under
- Dogs get in and eat FREE
- You can buy tickets at Tres Chic Boutique & The Foundry Men’s Wear (4106 Antilley Road).
Doors open at 6PM, and the fun kicks off at 7 PM.
So, if you love animals and you’re looking for a great reason to have a blast while making a difference, grab your fur baby and join us! Let’s make Halloween in February a night to remember while helping the animals that need us most.
See you at the Fur Ball, Happy Halloween this Valentine’s Day! 🎃❤️🐾
RANKED: Here Are the 63 Smartest Dog Breeds
Gallery Credit: Sabienna Bowman




More From KEAN 105








