Bloomington Bison, Humane Society host Pucks & Paws adoption event

Image courtesy of the Humane Society of Central Illinois

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington Bison will collaborate with the Humane Society of Central Illinois on Saturday night for their annual Pucks & Paws event.

The humane society will bring adoptable dogs to the game in hopes of finding them permanent homes. Fans will also be allowed to bring their own dogs.

“It’s a good overall family and community experience,” said Nicole Monson, director of community engagement for the Humane Society of Central Illinois.

Last year, the organization raised more than $3,000 from the event. Ticket sales also help offset the cost of partnering with the Bison.

“This event is just a super fun way to kind of combine two worlds for some people,” Monson said.

Funds raised through the event, along with donations and merchandise sales, support the humane society’s daily operations, including medical care for animals.

“All the animals at HSCI are vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered before they leave our facility,” Monson said. “All that costs money on top of food and litter and all the other things that these pets require.”

Monson said organizers learned from last year’s event and are looking forward to improvements this year.

“The goal for the event this year and in future years would always be for the dogs that attend the game to be adopted,” she said.

Another goal is to encourage community members to visit the shelter, even if they are not specifically interested in dogs. The shelter also houses cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and occasionally birds.

“This is a good opportunity to give your dog a night out on the town and enjoy the hockey game with your pet,” Monson said.

The Humane Society of Central Illinois is funded entirely through individual donations and does not receive state funding. Officials say every contribution supports the care of animals and day-to-day operations.