A slice of New Orleans is coming to Warsaw in a very interesting and unorthodox way March 5.
The Elk's Lodge in Warsaw, 310 E. Center, will host the first 'Mardi Paws' event for One Dog at a Time Rescue.
"We were just thinking we wanted to do something at a time when people didn't have a lot going on," said Julie Smith of ODTR. "We're going to have decorations, masks and create a Mardi Gras feel."
ODTR is a not-for-profit, local group of people looking to provide good homes for dogs through adoption and foster homes.
They have also organized spaying and neutering events for pets in the community and help provide shots and vaccinations to dogs.
They currently have 18 dogs that are up for adoption or a good foster home.
One purpose of the event is to help the not-for-profit as it becomes a 501c-3.
Through an extensive e-mail list and networking, dogs have found homes not only throughout the midwest but throughout the country.
To help ODTR continue its work, the March 5 event was set up.
The Sock Monkeys will be the entertainment donating their time for the evening and there will be a silent auction, door prizes and a cash bar.
The Sock Monkeys take the stage at 9 p.m. and will be playing all night.
People will be able to get their fix of Gordy's food. A portion of that menu will be re-created and be served for the event by Gordy's co-owner and ODTR supporter Carol Clemens.
Tickets to the event are $20 and can be purchased at Warsaw Cut Glass, T's Styling Studio, The Revolving Closet in Syracuse and Paws and Claws.
Those who are interested in ordering some Gordy's food for carry-out only and can't make it to the event can do so for $12.
The menu options will be:
1. Kaiser Sub/Sm. Gordy's House Salad/Chips
2. Seafood Garlic Bread/Sm. Gordy's House Salad/Chips
3. Cajun Pasta/Sm. Gordy's House Salad
4. Gordy's House Salad
Smith said they are still looking for more items to be donated for the silent auction.
Currently there are gift certificates to the Pit Stop in Warsaw as well as items from Warsaw Cut Glass that will be available. Vet clinic gift certificates as well as dog supplies and treats have also been donated by supporters of ODTR.
To donate items for the March 5 event or to become involved with ODTR, e-mail Smith at julie.smith@odtr.com
Those who would like to see the dogs up for adoption through ODTR can do so this Saturday at Pet Supplies Plus in Goshen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dogs include Milo, a full-blooded lhasa apso neutered male; Missy, a sweet Italian Greyhound mix; Piper a 10-week-ld Aussie mix as well as three Dachshund puppies
Smith said "When you invite a rescue dog to come and live with you - you are getting a dog that has been living in a home situation, being socialized, fed quality food, vetted, snuggled - and prepared for your very home!!! Rescue dogs are the best."
For more information or on ODTR success stories, visit www.odtr.org
