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Dogs, cats, horses and humans were all under the same roof Saturday morning when Tracy Area Animal Rescue hosted a “meet and greet” at Rock Ranch in Hills.
Visitors met adoptable pets from the animal rescue organization as well as the horses of Rock Ranch. Also, several families who adopted through TAAR were there with their “alumni” pets.
Among them was Baxter, the mid-size dog of Rock Ranch founders Dan and Marie LaRock, who offered their indoor heated arena on the sub-zero winter day.
The 80-by-200-foot building, completed last fall, was well-suited for excited dogs who, once familiar with each other, enjoyed zooming around in the spacious arena.
The event took in more than $700 for TAAR, which is hoping to match a $20,000 donation from the Tufty family by March 13.
“That means any donation made will be doubled, giving us the needed funds to continue saving animals in need,” said TAAR volunteer Beth Capistran, Luverne.
She said Tracy Area Animal Rescue has saved over 3,000 animals since 2006.
“We are 100-percent volunteer and all animals are kept in volunteers’ homes,” she said. “We receive no public funding and are able to continue our work thanks to generous donations.”
She said the organization spent over $100,000 on veterinary services for animals in its care.
“We can't do it without our amazing supporters and volunteers,” Capistran said.
Donations are accepted at tracyareaanimalrescue.com/donate.
Refreshments Saturday were provided by “Oh My Cupcakes,” and professional photographer Val Meinerts captured images of pets and their companions.
Founded in 2016, Rock Ranch provides riding lessons for children, equine experiences for seniors and Eagala certified mental health care. More information is at riderockranch.org