15th anniversary Wild West Wagfest and Fundraiser, May 18

On May 18, Marley's Mutts is hosting Wild West Wagfest, a 15th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser, that features food, live music and a silent auction at Buck Owen's Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield.

This event is a celebration of Marley's Mutts grassroots efforts and also a fundraiser to sustain programs that benefit the community.

Kern County shelters are overwhelmed and unable to provide space for the abundance of stray dogs. Marley's Mutts' goal is to save as many dogs possible. In addition to rescue, funds are needed to sustain the following programs:

• Operational support needed for Marley's Mutts rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Saving pups involves medical and behavioral assessments and administration of vaccines and microchips, trained Rescue Advocates and tons of dog food.

• Miracle Mutts Therapy Dog Program served over 20,000 community members last year with Animal Assisted Education and Animal Assisted Therapy. The program is administered by one Marley's employee and dozens of dedicated volunteer handlers and their Miracle Mutts Certified and AKC titled Therapy Dogs.

• Marley's Pawsitive Change Prison Program pairs dogs from high-kill shelters with incarcerated Student Trainers. This comprehensive vocational education program prepares those released to enter the workforce in the pet industry and has a proven track record of breaking the cycle of recidivism.

• Marley's Mutts Movers was created to help clear the overwhelming number of dogs in local shelters. There were 393 dogs transported in 2023 to adoption partners located in the Pacific Northwest and Canada where there is a waiting list for adoptable dogs.

Tickets at $200 include dinner, drink tickets and festivities. Those unable to attend may also make a donation. For information please visit: http://www.marleysmutts.org/wagfest/.