PUTTIN’ ON THE DOG has been the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s most important fundraising event for each of the past 22 years. It is an award-winning gala that had become a tradition in Tucson. Planning and production by HSSA’s Events team, Marketing team, and committee members had already begun at the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The decision was made to first postpone and then ultimately replace the grand, in-person event with a televised, virtual version and the HSSA Puttin’ on the Dog “Tail-a-thon” was born.

Production began in August on the television special and HSSA’s Marketing and Events teams hustled to replicate as much as possible the orginal Puttin’ on the Dog’s fun and excitement, including the heartwarming stories and the important message of HSSA’s mission.

The Tail-a-thon was hosted by HSSA’s own Marketing and Public Relations Lead, Monique Conway and philanthropy auctioneer Bobby D. Elhert of Call to Auction, and included special appearances by local community leaders and business owners, including Tucson’s Mayor Regina Romero. Musical performances were provided by local musicians John Coinman and Blair Forward, Sabra Faulk, and Ted Ramirez and the Santa Cruz River Band. The powerful and inspiring stories featured throughout the show were produced by Hannah Carl, HSSA’s Social Media Coordinator.

The response to Tail-a-thon by the community was tremendous. The special aired on October 10th and 11th and was able to exceed our goal of raising more than $100,000 to continue shelter operations for the thousands of homeless pets that HSSA will care for in the coming year. HSSA staff and volunteers worked the telephones and received a flood of calls with donations and support for the Second Chance Medical Fund during the televised event.

The staff, volunteers, and pets at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona thank everyone who watched, donated, and supported HSSA’s vital work.

If you missed the show it is always viewable from the HSSA YouTube channel at HSSAZ.org/YouTube. The program has ended but the need has not. To make a donation visit HSSAZ.org/Donate