A Bloomington Bison hockey game raised over $2,000 for the Humane Society of Central Illinois [HSCI] in Normal — and humans weren’t the only ones showing their support. Around 100 dogs were also in attendance Friday, filling up section 101.
It was a first-of-its-kind game for the Bison, said HSCI Executive Director Nicole Watts.
“This has been such a fun event,” she said just before the game started. “We got to bring dogs. It’s just a really fun event for everybody.”
Funds came from ticket sales and pre-orders of sweatshirts and T-shirts with a limited-run “Pucks and Paws” design. Since the humane society is a nonprofit that receives zero government funding, Watts said the proceeds from Friday’s game will help with operational costs.
“Everything that comes to us is through donations and fundraising, so the money that you give goes directly to the care of the animals: their food, kitty litter, vet bills, spay, neuter,” she said.
Dogs big and small came for the festivities. Luca may very well have been the largest: a Great Dane weighing in at 174 pounds, according to his owner Ryan Hansen.
“He’s absolutely having a blast,” Hansen said Friday. “He just wants to play and wants attention.”
And he got plenty of it. People were stopping by to say hi all night, though Hansen said other dogs were a little more weary.
“Just because he’s so big,” Hansen said.
Hansen and other dog owners such as Greg Eidson said they were grateful for an opportunity to socialize their pups. Eidson said his Great Pyrenees and golden retriever mix Finn just turned one and is still learning to keep his energy down.
“He’s a horse when he wants to be, that’s for sure,” Eidson said. “But he’s all love.”
The game also brought out some new people to see the Bisons. Elizabeth Cruz said she and her boyfriend used their new puppy Odin as an excuse to attend their first game.
“He’s our first dog together so we just want to make sure he’s included in everything,” she said of the 10-month-old Patterdale terrier, Australian shepherd and mystery mix pup.
Now all three are bison fans, Cruz said, “100%.”
Amy and Jason Lindbom got their chance at redemption Friday after trying and failing to attend their first Bisons game in January following an ice issue that resulted in a cancellation. Amy Lindbom said when they saw the opportunity to try again and bring their Spinone Italiano, Toby.
“He likes to get out and do different things, and we have fun taking them places,” Amy Lindbom said. “I think it’s great to include dogs and things like this and get them out in the community.”
The humane society also brought dogs in the hopes of getting some adopted. HSCI volunteer Trevor Creamean handled pit bull mix Penelope for the night and encouraged people to stop by the humane society to show support postgame.
“Just come see the dogs,” he said. “Or if you have time, do some volunteering. It’s a lot of fun, and the dogs really could use the exposure to more people.”
While none of the dogs have been adopted yet, the humane society said multiple applications are pending and they are hopeful people will get approved for pickup by Tuesday when they reopen.
Watts with HSCI said she’s open to hosting another “Pucks and Paws” game and when asked if they might be open to pursuing a cat-friendly game, she said it’s something to consider.
“Obviously, dogs are a lot easier to bring. They’re more social — less chance of them getting loose,” she said. “Maybe in crates or cages or somewhere where we can safely transport them back and forth. But we’d love to get our kitty cats adopted out as well.”
Friday was also a great night for the Bisons, who played a nail-biting game and pulled off a win in overtime.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
