Overcoming the obstacles of a failing economy, lost committee members and donation reluctance, the Athens Area Humane Society is still fighting to raise funds for an expansion that will allow it to incorporate dogs back into its shelter.

Originally planned to feature “Bark Avenue” luxury pet accommodations, “An Evening in the Garden” committee members were forced to reorganize the event after the low response they received from local artists.

“Our original idea was to approach some local artists and see if they could make a luxury dog bed, a fancy rabbit hutch or even a bird cage for the auction. But we didn’t get a good response at all,” AAHS member and committee chairperson Holly Musgrove said. “I think that it is very telling of where the economy is right now because the artists have to concentrate on what sells and what pays the bills. A project like this just doesn’t, and it would take a lot of work.”

Although the committee was able to restructure the auction to feature a lot of animal-themed items such as gift baskets and local donated art, they still project that the auction will make only $5,000 – a low mark compared to years past.

“We know that people’s hearts are in the right place but everyone is cutting back right now,” said Alysen Heil, vice-president of AAHS.

The two organizers also cite the fact that this is a general fundraiser for the organization as another reason that donations might be lower than those for more specific Humane Society events.

“People normally like to donate to something where they know that ‘OK, this money is going to buy dog food,’ whereas this money will just go to the organization as a whole to buy supplies for the shelter and to pay bills,” Musgrove said.

The fact that the botanical gardens do not allow animals is also a problem the committee had to deal with. According to Musgrove, being able to hold a kitten or see a rabbit makes interest “skyrocket” because it provides the public with tangible evidence that “makes the cause more real.”

But despite all of these obstacles, the committee is staying hopeful about the event and the opportunity it will give the Humane Society in terms of funds and providing education and support.

“While a lot of fundraising is about making money, we really want to keep our presence in the community as a resource. If we weren’t out there having events, people might forget we are here for them,” Musgrove said. “Our director is going to give a speech about where we have been and what we are working toward. We have made some big strides in the past year.”

Some of the strides she mentions is the newly expanded shelter facility that will allow the Humane Society to begin adopting out dogs again, something they have not been able to do in over a decade.

“As of this month, we were able to begin pulling dogs from Animal Control and putting them in foster homes until our new facility opens,” Musgrove said. “Some of the money from this event is going to fund the new space for dogs … We couldn’t be more excited about all of this growth and success, and we want the public to be excited about it, too.”