Host a Party With a Animal-Friendly PurposeRaise your glass — and raise some money for pets in need.Please select a featured image for your postLots of people want to help pets in need, but not everyone wants to throw on an old pair of sweats and walk dogs at the shelter. What to do?Turn a chic cocktail party into a fundraiser, and give back while sipping a salty dog and catching up with friends and neighbors.Throw that bashInvite your friends, family, and neighbors, and let them know a suggested donation of a few bucks (or more) from each guest will be donated to a rescue group or animal shelter (you can select the place you adopted your last pet or any group that does good in your area). For even more fun, consider inviting your guests’ (well-behaved) dogs!The night of the party, set up a pretty glass container with a handmade sign directing guests to place donations inside and indicating which adoption group will benefit from their generosity.Provide tasty appetizers (crostini with goat cheese and figs, anyone?) and give a nod to the animals you’ll be helping by serving pet-themed cocktails, like greyhounds and salty dogs. If yours is a pet-friendly affair, you might bake some pupcakes or homemade doggie cookies for the four-legged partygoers.Inspire others to giveEnjoy your elegant evening, and take lots of photos with the guests. Share the photos on Facebook and Instagram, tagging all the guests and the rescue group or shelter you are donating to. Hopefully, other pet lovers will see and share your photos and be inspired to donate to a rescue or shelter in their area or even host their own cocktail party fundraiser.Dog-themed drink recipesGreyhoundSleek and classy, just like the breed, this straightforward and refreshing drink is simple to make.2 ounces vodka or gin5 ounces grapefruit juice Lemon or grapefruit for garnishPour vodka and grapefruit juice over ice in a glass. Garnish with a lemon or grapefruit wedge. Salty DogThis tasty drink is the salty version of the Greyhound.2 ounces vodka or gin5 ounces grapefruit juiceSalt for rimmingLemon or grapefruit for garnishRim a glass with salt and fill with ice. Shake the vodka and grapefruit juice in a shaker and pour over ice in glass. Garnish with a lemon or grapefruit wedge.Top photo: Woman with dog by Shutterstock. Jackie BrownJackie is a freelance writer specializing in the pet industry. She lives in Southern California with her husband, son, and adorable Miniature Poodle, Jäger, who is obsessed with fetch and killing all the toys. She is the former editor of Rescue Proud, Dog World, and Puppies 101. Follow her on Twitter or visit her website.
