Dogs and cats cash in at Humane Society event

• Saturday, April 27 at the Highland Lakes YMCA in Burnet at the Wags to Riches fundraiser Julia Nedbaleck received a kiss from the live auction puppy which raised $700 for Hill Country Humane Society. Photos by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
• Amy and Chris Corley admired the silent auction items available April 27 at the Wags to Riches Hill Country Humane Society fundraiser held at the YMCA of the Highland Lakes in Burnet.
• Community Resource Center's Mary Jo Callaway and Cynthia Green smiled for the camera April 27 at the Highland Lakes YMCA in Burnet at the Wags to Riches Hill Country Humane Society fundraiser.
• Sally Morgan clapped as she won the live auction National Rodeo tickets at the Wags to Riches Hill Country Humane Society Fundraiser Saturday April 27 at the Highland Lakes YMCA in Burnet.
• Dr. Dan McBride opened the Wags to Riches April 27 at the Highland Lakes YMCA, welcoming guests and thanking many for their generosity.
• Jubilant HCHS rescue workers Saturday April 27 at the Highland Lakes YMCA in Burnet at the Wags to Riches Hill Country Humane Society fundraiser included (back) Kristen Hocker, Faith Leduke, Lisa Alexander, HCHS Executive Director Paighton Corley, Julia Nedbaleck (front) Teresa Husd and Cassie Myers. Photos by Martelle Luedecke/ Luedecke Photography
• Burnet County Chief Deputy Alan Trevino shared puppy adoption photos with Hill Country Humane Society Executive Director Paighton Carley and Cassie Myers April 27 at the Highland Lakes YMCA, during the Wags to Riches fundraiser.
• Bailey Dressler cuddled Fella April 27, at the YMCA of the Highland Lakes in Burnet at the Wags to Riches Hill Country Humane Society Fundraiser.
• Organizers reported a sold out full house April 27 at the Highland Lakes YMCA in Burnet for the Wags to Riches Hill Country Humane Society fundraiser.

Hundreds of supporters attended the Wags to Riches fundraising event April 27 at the YMCA of the Highland Lakes in Burnet. The event benefits Hill Country Humane Society (HCHS).

In 2023, HCHS recorded 1,373 intakes, 705 adoptions, 457 trans - ports (to over 20 states) and 168 returned to owners.

Since opening in 1999, the Hill Country Humane Society has grown along with Burnet and Llano counties. As more people move into the area, the number of pets in need has increased just as rapidly.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Greater Goods, who has committed to a $500,000 renovation,” says HCHS Executive Director Paighton Corley. “Along with providing the labor, they will help us complete a full rescue rebuild.

“To make this vision a reality, we need to contribute $100,000. I’m thrilled to share that the Llano County Commissioners Court has already funded $50,000.”

Later in the evening, after the live auctions, poker cards, chip drawings, heads or tails game, Blue Corn Harvest catered the dinner. The auctioneers set forth to raise the remaining $50,000. The goal was surpassed.

The $100,000 needed to receive the matching $500,000 renovation with the partnership with Greater Goods was a reality evening.

at the end of the The renovations will include new kennels, each space designed to minimize noise and stress, reduce health risks and foster the well-being of happy, healthy pets.

A new play yard for the dogs has been designed.

At present HCHS play yards can only host 15 dogs at a time, forcing the dogs to spend upwards of 23 hours a day in their kennels.

Bulldozing of the present play yard to make room for the new could happen as early as October.

The enhancements are more than just infrastructure improvements – they will provide life-saving tools that will allow Hill Country Humane Society to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home countless more dogs in the years to come.

“Together we can ensure that every dog not only survives but thrives,” Corley said.