It was a night of champagne, cheers and celebration on Thursday, September 12 at the SPCA of Texas’ annual Fur Ball Patron Party. Ecstatic animal lovers, SPCA of Texas supporters and excited staff and volunteers crowded into the handsome French Country-style home designed by Milan Design + Build LLC in Old Preston Hollow, enjoying the panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and awaiting a very important announcement, as the early evening sunset bathed everyone in gold.

The 2019 Fur Ball Family, Chairs John and Lana Payne and their children and co-chairs, Katherine and Jacob Payne, kicked off the night’s festivities. John thanked the Fur Ball Committees and Auction Chairs, Sandra Fite and Julia Howard, Auction Co-Chair Amber Camper and Underwriting Chair Arlene Kirkland for their tremendous work and effort on making Fur Ball 2019 the best yet.

Next up was Steve Atkinson, Vice Chair of the SPCA of Texas’ Board of Directors, with a special announcement. The cheerful crowd gasped and applauded as Atkinson revealed that Karen Froehlich, interim President/CEO was the organization’s new, official President and CEO, effective immediately.

“Karen is a dedicated and passionate leader,” said Atkinson. “And, over the past months, it has become increasingly clear that she is the right person to lead the SPCA of Texas as we continue in our mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home.”

Froehlich thanked the crowd, saying she is excited for the future of the organization and is honored to take on the roll. Finally, Debra Burns, SPCA of Texas Senior Vice President for Development pumped up the crowd, adding in her thanks to the Payne family and the Auction Committee for such a splendid evening. The night’s surprises didn’t stop there. Burns and Fur Ball Auction Chair, Sandra Fite also presented a special gift to Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones for their continuous support, which has saved the lives of countless animals.

Guests chatted and wandered through the gorgeous home while listening to the harpist, Cindi Horstman, play classical musical and the Beatles interchangeably. Fifteen seniors from Jesuit were there promoting the Fur Ball raffle and providing hospitality. All while enjoying samplings of delightful nibbles, including a tomato bruschetta crostini, grilled beef tenderloin with mini homemade yeast rolls and mini crab cakes served Aioli sauce. Assorted petit sweets and chocolate dipped berries polished off the decadent menu, all thanks to Preston Hollow Catering. All while sipping on wine, thanks to Burgundy Swine, and the night’s specialty drink, the “Corgi Cocktail”, with lemonade, vodka, a lemon wedge and garnished with a mint, thanks to Tito’s Vodka for Dog People.

The SPCA of Texas is grateful to Susie Swanson and Milan Design + Build LLC (Scott Trahan and Eric Mistrata) for welcoming the cheerful crowd into the lovely home, which was decorated with various breathtaking, beautiful and exotic purple flowers and stunning greenery provided by Simply Elegant. Spectacular valet service was provided by Gold Crown Valet Company.

The event was held to thank all of the donors and sponsors of the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2019. The elegant black-tie gala will delight the senses with dancing and live and silent auctions. The SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2019 will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 6:30 p.m. - midnight at the Hyatt Regency.

Guests included Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, Steve Atkinson and Ted Kindcaid, Gus Hinojosa, David Kubes, Donna and Brian Loughmiller, Katy Murray, Hiren Patel, Christina and Chase Sanders, Sonja McGill, Christie Choi, Brian Curtis, Russell E. Dealey, Giana DePaul, Lisa and Christopher Fox, Pamela Graham and Phil Hixon, Kristen and Scott Greenberg, Maureen and Joe Hafertepe, Cindy and Don Lindsley, Jennifer Lindsley, John Mayfield, Carol Nelson, Betsy Orton and Sharon Fancher, Matt and Mary Metz, Marsha Pendleton-Gray and Dr. Richard Gray, Joan Rogers, Alicia and Alan Skinner, David Soto, Susie Swanson, Karen Urie, Anja and Jeff Woodson, and Randy Zoetewey.  

It was a day full of gorgeous gems and couture candles at the SPCA of Texas’ Home Show, benefitting the upcoming Fur Ball Gala. The amazing show was hosted by and held at the home of Fur Ball Auction Chair Sandra Fite.

Vendors from Swiss-Cillian Marinara Sauce, Red & Ro Luxury Candles, Infused Oil & Vinegars, Alan Waters Paintings and Sandra Fite Jewelry were at the event and are donating 20% of the proceeds to the SPCA of Texas. We are extremely grateful to the vendors and everyone who attended the event. The donated proceeds will go towards helping the SPCA of Texas rescue, rehabilitate and rehome thousands of animals in North Texas.

This year’s black tie gala will be held at the iconic Hyatt Regency Hotel from 6:30pm to midnight on Saturday, September 21^st. Fur Ball 2019 marks our 81^st anniversary of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming helpless animals in the North Texas community. Support for Fur Ball 2019 supports the SPCA of Texas’ mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home.

Tickets, tables and high level sponsorships are now available for purchase online at www.furballdallas.com.

Time is running out until the SPCA of Texas' annual Fur Ball gala. Enjoy a delicious dinner, dancing with headline entertainment by Party Machine, drinks from this years special partner Tito's Vodka for Dog People and help change the lives of thousands of animals in North Texas! The elegant black-tie gala will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. Tickets are available today at www.FurBallDallas.com.

Fur Ball is DFW’s salute to the bond between people and their pets and a celebration of the SPCA of Texas’ important mission to provide every animal with exceptional care and a loving home. All money raised through Fur Ball 2019 will go directly to the SPCA of Texas to help rescue, heal and find homes for thousands of animals and help keep pets in homes, out of shelters and off the streets. 

Last year, tickets sold out early and Fur Ball 2019 is sure to be the bark of the town thanks to Chairs John and Lana Payne, Co-Chairs Jacob and Katherine Payne, Auction Chairs Julia Howard and Sandra Fite, Auction Co-Chair Amber Camper and Underwriting Chair Arlene Kirkland. The Emcee for the evening is Brian Curtis, NBC 5 News Anchor.

The SPCA of Texas is grateful for the tremendous support of its Fur Ball 2019 sponsors, including: Joy Sponsors: The Addy Family, John and Lana Payne, Sewell Automotive, and Patricia Villareal & Tom Leatherbury; Kindness Sponsor: Jack Knox; Caring Sponsors: Sandra Fite, Marsha Pendleton-Gray and Dr. Richard Gray, Tito’s Vodka, Mark Schwarz, and VCA Animal Hospitals; Companionship Sponsors: Brooke and Greg Alexander, Carla Brandt, Diane and Hal Brierley, Eric Broughton, Linda Chapa, Hercules Heroes Championed by Hill A. Feinberg, Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc, Julia Howard, Sally Ann Jalonick Hundall, and Thompson & Knight Foundation; Best Friend Sponsors: John Ackerman, Andrea Alcorn, Alliance Insurance, Debra Burns and Karen Froehlich, CB Choi Family Foundation, Laura Chambers, CityVet, Robert Dombrowski, Gwen Echols, Essex Association Management LP, Rebecca Farris, Lisa Fox, Friends of the Payne’s, Anna Galvan, Pamela Graham and Phil Hixon, Kristen Greenberg, Joe and Maureen Hafertepe & Matt and Mary Metz, Robert Haynsworth, Geoffrey Henley, Hollywood Feed, David Kubes, Eileen and Ryan Lash, Law Offices of Claire Collins Schwarz, Darlene McCorvey, Bob and Scottie McDonald, Merck Animal Health, Katy Murray, MWI Animal Health, Carol and Ed Nelson, Martina Nemer, Hiren and Dhruva Patel, Jacob Payne, Norma Payne, Readivet, RKD Group LLC, Chase and Christina Sanders, Marti and Steve Scruggs, Mary Spencer, Steckler Gresham Cochran PLLC, Mary and Skip Trimble, Tuesday Morning, Shannon L.K. Welch, Anja Woodson, and Randy Zoetewey, Dexter Hooks & Friends; Underwriters: Chris and Suzanne Austin, Jeff and Jessica Burrow, Russell E. Dealey, JGX Sign Studio, Rainbow Vomit, Simply Elegant, and Patricia Villareal; and Media Sponsor: Modern Luxury Dallas.

For high profile sponsorship opportunities, visit www.FurBallDallas.com or contact Brandi Johnson at 214-461-1832.

If you've been looking to adopt a dog from the SPCA of Texas, you're in luck! Starting today, the SPCA of Texas is having a “Mutts, They're Just Like Us” adoption special at its two Metroplex-area shelters. They might not always be followed around by the “puparazzi” but these dogs are stars in our eyes. Just like the celebrities in the magazines our mutts enjoy splashing in the pool, taking naps, eating snacks and hanging out with friends. Believe it or not they're just like us! From Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 21 come adopt your new hang out buddy from the SPCA of Texas; all dogs that weigh 40 pounds or more will be only $20. The new owners of the first 15 dogs adopted under this special will also receive free DNA tests for their mutts! To see all of our available dogs, visit spcafindapet.com/.

The SPCA of Texas has two shelters where you can adopt your new best friend. There are dozens of animals waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas' Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas at 2400 Lone Star Drive and at the SPCA of Texas' Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney at 8411 Stacy Road. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Regular adoption fees are $125 for puppies and kittens aged 0-6 months and $60 for adult dogs and cats aged 6 months or older. Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a heartworm test for dogs six months and older and a FIV/FeLV test for cats 4 months and older, initial flea/tick preventative and heartworm preventative, a microchip, 30 days of PetHealth Insurance provided by PetPlan, a free 14-day wellness exam with VCA Animal Hospitals, a free year-long subscription to Activ4Pets, a rabies tag and a free leash.

We hope you’ll visit our adoptable pets online and then visit them in person at one of our shelters. We’re ready to help you find the pet of your dreams!

Patti Rechelle Coleman, 42, was arrested on Monday afternoon by the Van Zandt County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office on a felony animal cruelty charge after the SPCA of Texas, the Van Zandt County Precinct 2 Constable's Office and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office seized 11 cruelly treated animals abandoned at a property in Van Zandt County on Wednesday, June 12, 2019. Coleman was booked into the Van Zandt County Detention Center and charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals for “tortures an animal or in a cruel manner kills or causes serious bodily injury to an animal,” which is a third-degree felony. According to the Texas Penal Code, torture includes any act that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering. The case has been filed with the Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. A bond of $10,000 was set, and Coleman was released on bail as of June 18, 2019.

To view photos of this case, please click on the following link or copy and paste it into a browser: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3to3w3kkc3ox96z/AACq_1tZrRs9IILLt8jwJEMCa?dl=0.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2019, the SPCA of Texas seized 11 animals, including five puppies, four dogs and two cats from an abandoned property in Van Zandt County via an exigent warrant. The animals were transported to the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center, where they received immediate, life-saving veterinary treatment.

The animals appeared to be afflicted with numerous medical issues, including starvation, dehydration, hair loss, flea infestation, intestinal parasites, eyes issues, ear issues and skin pustules. Many of the animals were so weak that they required immediate intravenous fluids. Two dogs were humanely euthanized at the recommendation of an SPCA of Texas’ veterinarian. One dog, the mother of the puppies, was euthanized due to suffering from extensive medical issues, including extreme malnourishment and decompensated shock. Decompensated shock occurs when the body is unable to maintain proper blood pressure, resulting in the failure of body systems and functions. One puppy was also humanely euthanized due to his suffering and unresponsiveness to treatment.

The SPCA of Texas received a complaint of suspected animal cruelty on June 10, 2019, and an SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigator visited the property on June 12, 2019. The investigator observed animals inside and outside of a residence on the property with no access to food or water. All of the animals appeared to be severely underweight and to have been abandoned for a significant amount of time. Upon witnessing the animals’ dire conditions, the investigator executed an exigent warrant immediately.

A civil custody hearing was held on Monday, June 17, at the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, the Honorable Judge Wade McMillian presiding. At the hearing, Coleman agreed to surrender custody of the animals to the SPCA of Texas. Following the hearing, Coleman was arrested and charged with third-degree felony Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals.

To help support the SPCA of Texas and its efforts to help abused, neglected and homeless animals and to support the SPCA of Texas' other programs and services, please visit www.spca.org/helptheanimals. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, please visit our website at www.spca.org.