By Aziza Cooper-Hovland
Columbia Gorge News
HOOD RIVER — “The dogs depend on us,” said Michele Thomson, a volunteer and board member with HRAAD. Hood River Adopt-A-Dog (HRAAD) is the only animal shelter serving Hood River and White Salmon, and has been providing care and adoption services for almost 20 years. HRAAD keeps dogs current on vaccinations, makes sure they’re all spayed and neutered, and provides micro-chips.
Funding has been a struggle this year especially, as it has been for many nonprofits. “It’s like a perfect storm,” said Thomson.
Historically, they’ve received support from the Hukari fund, created in 2007 at the bequest of Ross and Daphne Hukari who provided the money to build the Hukari Animal Shelter, where HRAAD now lives. The fund typically provides HRAAD with roughly $19,000 twice per year, but that stream will dry up come 2027. And while the bulk of HRAAD funding comes from donations and grants, those have also been hit due to financial strain at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as the rising cost of living, which leaves less room for charitable giving in people’s personal budgets.
“Grants are really focused on human needs,” Thomson said. As a result, there’s even more pressure on the fundraisers they run, like the “Best in Show” event at Ferment Brewing on April 29.
“Dogs of all breeds, mix breeds and ages are welcome for showcase of canine charm and charisma,” said a press release. For $12 per dog, contestants can compete for Best Trick, Crowd Favorite, and Best in Show awards, and 20% of all sales at the tasting room that day will also benefit Hood River Adopt-a-Dog. Their largest fundraiser, “Paws and Pints,” will be held at the Ruins on May 29.
“This year, we’re making it even more kid-friendly,” said Thomson. Children under 12 will be free, and adult presale tickets will be $25. The Quick & Easy Boys will be entertainment, and Cousins Lobster, Taqueria Los Hermanos, and Frosty Peak Ice Cream will be the food on offer. There will be a raffle, both a silent and live auction, Buddie’s arcade games, cornhole and hair sparkles.
“I put a big goal on this event,” said Thomson. Typically, it brings in between 30,000–40,000, but they are trying to reach $50,000 this year.
Cans for Canines is an ongoing project HRAAD uses to fundraise as well, with a dedicated trailer to collect and store donated cans and bottles. They have recently qualified for the bulk Oregon Bottle Drop, and have kicked it off April 12 with a Can Drive at the Hood River Adult Center. For local businesses who would like to do a large drop off, the trailer can come to you.
“Community is so important,” said Thomson, explaining how it’s fosters, volunteers, business partners, the county, as well as the hard-working staff. “We all work together and I’m optimistic that we can keep doing it.”
People who are interested can sponsor a dog, which is one of the ways HRAAD offsets medical bills, food, and care costs that aren’t covered by adoption fees, and one of the ways for someone to get involved who can’t adopt a dog. For those interested in supporting HRAAD directly or want to volunteer, visit www.hoodriveradoptadog.org.
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