By RYLEE BURD
Tiger Media Network
The Humane Society of the High Plains (HSHP) hosted its annual Dawgz & Drawz fundraiser this past weekend at LoKal Country Bar in downtown Hays. The event brought together community members, students, and dog lovers to support shelter animals and raise awareness about the Humane Society’s mission.
The fundraiser offered a relaxed evening where attendees could enjoy time with their dogs while supporting a cause. LoKal Country Bar served $3 beer draws, with proceeds benefiting HSHP’s ongoing efforts to provide food, shelter, and medical care for animals waiting for adoption.
An employee photographs a dog dressed in a Halloween costume at the Dawgz and Drawz fundraising event for the Humane Society of the High Plains. 
A doodle dressed as Waldo participates in the costume contest at Dawgz and Drawz. 
A dog dressed as a pumpkin greets Buddy, who’s dressed in a skeleton costume, during Dawgz and Drawz, a community event benefiting the Humane Society of the High Plains. 
Henry, a dachshund, dresses as “Frankenweenie” during the Dawgz and Drawz’s pet costume contest. 
A Yorkshire terrier wearing a life jacket costume leads their owner around the event on a leash. 
A large dog wears a ghost costume made from a white sheet after no store-bought outfit could fit. 
A corgi dressed as a tractor participates in the costume contest during Dawgz and Drawz 
Luna, a black dog dressed as a can of White Claw, drags her owner around the Dawgz and Drawz event. 
Buddy, a dog wearing a skeleton costume, rests on the floor during Dawgz and Drawz, a fundraiser supporting the Humane Society of the High Plains.
According to HSHP Community Outreach Coordinator Taryn Faulkender, the event was created by the organization’s Board of Directors as a way to host a fun, adult-centered gathering that also benefits shelter operations.
“We rely completely on public donations and grants, and those funds can be unpredictable,” Faulkender said. “Fundraisers like this not only help us raise money, they also allow us to connect with the community.”
This year’s Dawgz & Drawz featured a dog costume contest, a photo booth, face painting, a succulent sale, and homemade dog treats for sale. The contest drew plenty of smiles as dogs of all shapes and sizes showed off creative costumes. Faulkender said the event saw around 30 dogs and 50 attendees, an increase from previous years, despite the rainy weather that moved the event indoors.
“The turnout was amazing considering the weather,” Faulkender said. “People still came out to support us, and that kind of dedication means a lot.”
Funds raised from Dawgz & Drawz help cover daily operational costs at the shelter, including food, veterinary expenses, and cleaning supplies.
“Those are things we need every single day to keep our animals clean, healthy, and happy,” Faulkender said.
While the event was a success, organizers faced a few challenges this year. Limited preparation time and difficulty finding sponsors added extra pressure to the planning process.
“We had another big fundraiser in September that took much of our focus,” Faulkender said. “This was the first year we tried adding sponsorship opportunities for Dawgz & Drawz. Some small businesses were able to help, but others weren’t able to participate this time.”
Despite those hurdles, Faulkender said the community’s enthusiasm made it worthwhile. Attendees mingled, took photos, and chatted with HSHP volunteers about fostering, adoption, and ways to get involved.
HSHP hopes to continue growing Dawgz & Drawz in the future.
“We’re already brainstorming ways to expand the event,” Faulkender said. “Next year, I’d like to include more activities for kids and college students since they’re such a big part of our community.”
Faulkender added that the organization plans to build on its current fundraisers while creating new events focused on animal welfare education.
“We want to raise money, but we also want to teach people about safety, welfare, and our mission,” she said. “Our goal is to strengthen our relationship with the Hays community and continue to be a part of it for years to come.”