Fishing with Dogs: reel in some fun while raising money for furry friends

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Dogs. Lots of dogs.

Now that I have your attention (who wouldn’t stop in their tracks at the sight or sound of a furry friend?), it is time you be informed about a very special event about to take place in The Woodlands. On August 22 at Northshore Park from 8-10 am, The Woodlands Heating and Air Conditioning will be hosting an event alongside Operation Pets Alive in an effort to adopt out and raise money for the furry friends OPA is currently taking care of. The event, coined “Fishing with Dogs,” is part of The Woodlands Heating and Air conditioning’s annual charity event.

“Every year, we sponsor at least one charity fundraiser. In the past, we have sponsored fundraisers for Operation Pets Alive and also Interfaith of The Woodlands Food Bank. This year, we wanted to try and incorporate a family fun day in conjunction with the fundraising efforts. We thought what better way than a ‘fishin’ derby’ and adoption event into a family fun day,” said Phil Musial, The Woodlands Heating and Air Conditioning Operations Manager.

“Fishing with Dogs” is quite the diverse event: first of all, The Woodlands Heating and Air Conditioning will “match each donation given, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000.” The event itself is free to attend, in addition to free bait, food, and drinks. The “fishing derby” is open to young fishermen and fisherwomen alike, as long as they are under the age of 16. There will also be a bouncy house, DJ, and raffle of a “Big Green Egg,” an egg-shaped grill, courtesy of a generous donation by Lone Star Ace Hardware. Tickets for the raffle will be $5 a piece, or $20 for 5. And thanks to the generosity of the animal lovers at Woodlands Heating and Air Conditioning, all proceeds that are a result of this event will be directly donated to OPA.

Choosing Operation Pets Alive for the annual charity fundraiser was an obvious no-brainer for The Woodlands Heating and Air Conditioning. According to Musial, “The difference between OPA and others is that OPA is very well organized and has a clear plan to reduce the homeless pet population, while also supporting a ‘No Kill’ directive. I have never seen a more focused or committed group of volunteers…OPA was recommended to me by my veterinarian. After much research, we concluded this is a great group of dedicated people looking after our four-legged friends in need. This is the third year we’ve sponsored them and they are just an amazing organization.”

In addition, Musial happens to be a pet lover himself, even a self-proclaimed “huge animal lover.” He says he is the “proud owner of two very spoiled chocolate labs named Cody (Coco) and Piper (Chooch).” His main goal is to find “some forever homes for our furry friends.”

Marcia Piotter, President of Operation Pets Alive, is quite thrilled for the upcoming event. Operation Pets Alive is “dedicated to raising the ‘life-saving’ bar for our community,” according to Piotter, so it is no wonder there are high hopes for the event.

“It is exciting to know that business leaders in our community, like those at Woodlands Heating and Air, appreciate what Operation Pets Alive is doing to save lives of the homeless animals in Montgomery County and are willing to lend support! It is very rewarding to see businesses join us in efforts to make our community better. We hope The Woodlands will join the ranks of the over 200 communities that are now saving over 90% of homeless animals,” Piotter said.

Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend the event, whether or not they plan on adopting. With the funds that are raised at this event, the Woodlands community can help ensure the well-being and love of many well-deserving- and barking- best friends. If you love to fish, love dogs (or any animal, for that matter!), or are looking for something to do one summer Saturday morning, make sure to stop by Northshore Park. Let’s fish with some dogs!