Hair washed, nails done, sparkly bandana on, the senior dogs at Memphis Animal Services (MAS) are ready for their prom, but they still need some hot dates to take them home after the night of partying is through. (Average-looking dates will do, too.) So, strap on your finest ’90s prom attire and boogie on over to the shelter for a ’90s-themed prom like no other.
As with any good prom, there will be cheesy photo opportunities, slow dances with dates who have two left feet (and two right feet), a cake for dogs (plus some human refreshments), and, of course, a doggy prom king and queen for whom everyone will vote. Although some of the dogs will be dressed in their best, others might forgo clothes entirely, so brace yourselves from some canine nudity.
“The prom is going to be a fun event to really shine a light on these special seniors,” says Katie Pemberton, marketing and communications supervisor at MAS. “So many people in animal welfare — so many of us at MAS especially — really think that seniors are the greatest, and they just don’t get the attention that they deserve. So many people want puppies and just aren’t really that interested in seniors. … But for most senior dogs and cats, they’re out of their really rambunctious, really destructive phase, and they’ve calmed down. They’re really ready just for some companionship, and senior pets are compatible with most people’s lifestyles.”
As you might be aware, there is a national animal shelter crisis, which Pemberton suggests is due to rising housing and economic difficulties. “That can be a real challenge when you have pets,” she says. “When people struggle, pets struggle. … Shelters around the country are really struggling to get pets out of the shelter and into homes. Especially medium to large adult dogs, they’re staying in the shelter longer. That means that all the things that used to work for us aren’t working. That means that we have to get more creative, and so that can be fun, with an event like the Senior Prom.”
For the event, which is in partnership with Hollywood Feed, all seniors — cats and dogs — will have their adoption fees covered by “Fairy Godparents” and will go home with a new adopter package from Hollywood Feed, including 20 percent off their first purchase, a free bag of NutriSource or Country Naturals pet food, and $5 off a customized Pet ID tag. “We’re gonna keep those sponsored adoption fees going through Tuesday, April 25th, if you for some reason can’t make it to the event, where all the fun and silliness is gonna be,” adds Pemberton. “Hopefully every senior gets adopted right then and there.”
If you can’t adopt right now, you can still attend the prom and show your love for the senior dogs and cats, and for $40, you can sponsor their adoption fees by becoming a Fairy Godparent. (Donate here.) Keep up with MAS at their Instagram and Facebook for more information on Senior Prom.
Senior Prom, Memphis Animal Services, Saturday, April 22, 5-8 p.m.
