Paws & Claws fundraiser canceled because of internet issues

Paws & Claws Animal Rescue of Quay County canceled a fundraiser scheduled for Thursday due to internet issues at the shelter.

The fundraiser was supposed to be facilitated by Kris Rotonda of Jordan’s Way, which does live, three-hour Facebook fundraisers from animal shelters that are seen nationwide. Rotonda founded Jordan’s Way after his favorite dog, Jordan, died. He had adopted Jordan from an animal shelter.

Kathi McCelland, chair of the board for Paws & Claws, said the event would have done fun challenges to encourage people to donate.

“It would have consisted of many of us doing different challenges to convince the public to donate to us, i.e. chubby bunny, tortilla slap, pie in the face, etc.,” she said.

She said the shelter didn’t have an adequate internet connection to host the livestream.

“It was canceled because our internet was not strong enough to do a live feed for three hours. And I was unable to find an extender quick enough. We were not aware we needed to upgrade our internet before they arrived,” she said.

“We assumed they would bring what they needed to make it work. So, now we know what has to happen for next time.”

McCelland said the funds from the event would have been earmarked to rebuilding its outdoor kennels.

“We are planning to do our own DIY fundraiser in the near future,” she said.

She also said it’s hard to plan a fundraiser with its limited resources.

“We are always looking for ways to raise money; however, it’s hard with the few volunteers that we have,” McCelland said.

McCelland said the facilities to run Paws & Claws are expensive.

“It costs a lot of money to run a rescue, pet food, vet bills, water electricity, maintenance on building and grounds,” she said.