If I had to draw a diagram of my heart, there would be one large soft spot dedicated to animals. To the right of that (equal in size) would be the portion of my heart devoted to food. Of course, there would also be sizable areas for my fiancé, ’80s music and Insider readers, but this Q&A is really about the first two subjects: yummy things and cuddly, furry animals.
When I discovered that the Concord-Merrimack County SPCA was getting ready for its fifth annual Dinner with the Animals, I jumped on the chance to cover it. The dinner, held at the Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Ave., on April 17, not only has a silent auction and social hour starting at 6 p.m., but there’s food (buffet dinner and presentation begins at 7 p.m.) and animals (shelter animals make an appearance during the social hour).
Sounds like a good time to me, but you don’t have to take my word for it. I sent Linda O’Bara, director of development and administration for the Concord-Merrimack County SPCA, a few questions about the dinner. If you decide that the dinner sounds like a good time to you, too, tickets are $50 for SPCA members, $60 for nonmembers, and can be purchased by calling 753-9801. Mastercard, VISA and Discover cards are all accepted. If writing checks are more your thing, send one to Concord-Merrimack County SPCA, 130 Washington St., Penacook NH 03303. Be sure to note that it is for dinner tickets. For even more information, visit concordspca.org.
How did it all start?
It was actually Frisky Stal who came up with and volunteered to work her fingers to the bone on the first Dinner with the Animals. When Frisky first came on our board of directors, she thought it would be a great idea to get our good friends and animal advocates in the community together for a special night in honor of pets. With the help of our wonderful dinner committee and staff, the dinner has become a “can’t miss” evening. Many of our first attendees have gone on to join us for our second, third, and fourth dinners, and have already purchased admission for this year’s event.
The guest speaker at our first dinner came highly recommended. Dr. Nicholas Dodman is an internationally known author, teaching professor and a director of the animal behavior program at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. You may have seen Dr. Dodman interviewed recently on the news about animal behavior in regard to the woman who was mauled by her friend’s ape who was treated as a member of the family.
This year’s speaker, Dr. Nick Trout, is also an author. His book, “Tell Me Where It Hurts,” is a wonderful compilation of his experiences as a surgeon at Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center. Dr. Trout is an engaging, humorous speaker – and his English accent adds to his popularity. Gibson’s Bookstore will be selling Dr. Trout’s book at the dinner, and Dr. Trout will be signing them for attendees.
What is being served for dinner?
The Courtyard by Marriott will be serving an Italian buffet with assorted yummy cakes and desserts. There is a social hour before the meal, during which appetizers are served, and attendees can browse the silent auction tables.
How many people attended last year’s dinner? What are the goals for this year’s dinner?
Last year 222 people attended the event. We plan on seeing between 250-300 guests this year. We hope to net $20,000 from the dinner this year. All of it will go towards the direct care of our abandoned, abused and homeless animals.
What kind of animals be there? Will they get their own special table (like a kids’ table)? If so, what will they eat?
Some of the animals (dogs, cats, and possibly a rabbit or ferret) will visit during the social hour, but alas, they won’t be staying for dinner. After the social hour they will be brought back to the shelter where they will get treats and I’m sure will share tales from their big night out with the animals that couldn’t come.
What’s in it for the animal lovers?
This is one night that animal lovers can tell stories about their pets and be sure that their listeners’ eyes won’t be rolling back, because they will be waiting for the chance to tell their own tales.
Do you have any special animals/pets in your life?
Believe it or not, I only have three. One Yorkshire terrier and two Yorkie mixes. Both mixes I adopted from the shelter. I like to call them my Yorkie-Pot-bellied pig mixes. I think I could get them to dig a hole to China if they thought there was a treat at the other end!
My husband is allergic to cats, so I have to get my fill at work, where staff share our offices with the older or special needs cats that take a while longer to get adopted. They have the run of the house, and even their own cat porch. They are pretty pampered.
