Wayne County Dog Shelter hosts 10th annual Bow Wow Ball

The Wayne County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center held its 10th annual Bow Wow Ball recently at the Greystone Event Center in what has become the shelter’s largest and most important fundraiser of the year.

Coordinated by PAWS for the Wayne County Dog Shelter, the evening is designed to celebrate compassion, community, and the bond between residents and the hundreds of dogs cared for at the shelter each year while raising funds for the shelter’s Medical Fund.

“PAWS is proud to coordinate an event that truly changes outcomes for shelter dogs,” PAWS President Brenda Siladi said. “The support we see from this community each year is incredible, and it translates directly into lifesaving care and programs that give these dogs a second chance.”

Beyond fundraising, the Bow Wow Ball also serves as a tribute to the volunteers who form the backbone of the shelter’s daily operations. Throughout the year — and especially on weekends — volunteers can be found walking dogs, cleaning kennels, providing enrichment, assisting with adoptions and offering comfort to animals that are often scared or recovering from illness or injury.

According to Shelter Director and Dog Warden Katelyn Lehman, the compassion shelter volunteers provide plays a direct role in improving outcomes for dogs and in building trust with the public.

“Their work extends far beyond routine care," Lehman said. "Volunteers help socialize dogs so they are better prepared for adoption, support staff during high-volume periods and often serve as the first friendly face a dog sees after arriving at the shelter."

Recognized for their dedication, two volunteers and one employee received special recognition from Lehman for their service to the shelter:

—MaKoy Alberson: Youngest Volunteer, 7 years old.

—Roger Meredith: 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

—Gwyn Norris: 2025 Employee of the Year.

The Bow Wow Ball featured a full evening of activities including online, silent, live and bag auctions; dinner; a wine and bourbon pull; and music, dancing and opportunities to meet adoptable dogs.

For more information and volunteer opportunities, visit www.pawsforwcds.org. To view adoptable dogs, visit www.waynedogshelter.org.

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.