CincyPunk Looks To Help Animals

This coming weekend marks the return of the CincyPunk Music Festival to Newport's Southgate House. Thirty-nine bands (mostly local) will take up all three of the performance rooms over the two-night period. Covering almost every type of music, there's sure to be something there for every type of music fan. But it's never just about the music.

Over the past four years, CincyPunk has raised over $18,000 to a number of local charities. This year, the proceeds are benefiting the Animal Adoption Foundation in Hamilton, Ohio.

I've always considered myself more of a dog person, rather than a cat person. Nonetheless, whether you're a dog person, a cat person or whatever your pet may be, I found it hard not to get a little choked up as I scanned over some of the pictures of available critters up for adoption. It may not have that effect on everyone, but for me, it just kind of felt personal.

Back in January of 2008, I lost my dog (Willie) to old age, after fourteen years. Fourteen years. Just a few days ago, I turned twenty-eight. Willie had been there for nearly half of my life, and was there during my transition from a teenager into a man. I know that some people just don't understand, but after a long period of time like that, your pet really becomes a member of your family. I guess just seeing those pictures made me miss my dog a little bit.

Anyways...

The non-profit/no-kill shelter provides a safe environment for abandoned and abused cats and dogs that are waiting to be adopted. They typically house anywhere from 60 to 100 cats and dogs, all of which have been vet checked, vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Since 1977, they have found homes for over 3,000 pets.

You may ask yourself, "What can I do to help?" Aside from adopting a pet, there are other several ways you can help. A number of supplies are always needed to maintain the shelter, all of which are tax deductible, as are any money donations you would like to make. Every Saturday at noon, they have an orientation for those interested in volunteering their time. For those unable to adopt, you can sponsor a sick or injured pet. In return they will send you a picture of the cat or dog you are sponsoring, and will notify you when they have found a loving family for the pet.

Another way you can help is by going to the Southgate House this weekend for the return of the CincyPunk Music Festival.

So if you like animals, music, both or if you just want to feel good about doing something to help these abandoned and abused cats and dogs, you should be at the Southgate House this weekend.