By Gina Lanaux 

One yellow cat is responsible for creating the Hound Dog Music Festival benefitting the Baldwin Humane Society and Beth Fugard, chairman of the event for the last 8 years, is the mastermind behind it. She had a rental property in Silverhill with a nice tenant who had a yellow cat. The cat looked out the window when she walked her property, which was once the Woodhaven Dairy.

When the renter moved out, 35 yellow cats were left behind! I laughed when she told me this, wondering if a different cat looked out of the window 35 times…. 

Beth immediately called the Baldwin Humane Society, and they came and trapped all the cats, took care of their medical needs, and found homes for them over two years. “They didn't ask for a dime, and I felt guilty and wanted to do something for the organization.” Her friend, Kenny Horton, offered the use of his venue, Hidden Lake, a beautiful spot in Silverhill with a red barn, a vast lawn, and a lake, and in 2017, the Hound Dog Music Festival debuted.

With the help of Karl Langley, Joel Keasel, and a core group of volunteers, of which 95% are still on the committee, the festival nets 40 to 60 thousand dollars to fund Baldwin Humane Society. “I wanted the event to be easy, with no silent auction, highlight local music, educate people about what the Baldwin Humane Society does, and make it fun. “ 

BHS relies on private donations, grants, and fundraisers to bankroll the incredible services they provide for animals. A no-kill shelter, last year they adopted out 1200 cats and dogs, sold 4000 spay and neuter coupons, provided 10,000 pounds of dog food to needy families, and pet medical care for 100 families, and sent 100 dogs up north to be adopted. 

Beth explains that there are stricter laws about animals in the Northern US, so rescue dogs can easily find homes there. They do all this without any support from city, county, or state funds. Established in 1979, it was the first no-kill shelter in the area and any pet adopted from BHS stays in their system and can access services, such as vet care and food, for the life of the pet. 

Beth’s office is adorned with posters from the previous year's Hound Dog Festivals, and they are all signed by the musicians. Brandon Coleman’s, from the Red Clay Strays, signature is on one from 2018. (Yes, the Red Clay Strays played.) This year, patrons were entertained by the Leavin Brothers, Thicc n Thin, Jenna McClelland, and the Ayers Brothers. 

A raffle was held for a 1974 Flote Bote with a trailer that was generously donated by Will Thompson. With Rose Ann Haven from WKRG News and Twiggins from Hot 104.9 in Tallahassee as the MCs, music lovers sat outside and enjoyed the energy and excitement of the day. Sponsors had tables for their guests, which featured centerpieces designed by Beth’s sister and committee member, Peggy Wiggins. 

Plans are already in the works for next year's festival and the core committee members, Charles and Kim Davis, Susan Mitchell, Susan Smith, Jim Knox, Natalie and Gary Reynolds, Rick Bowen, Kaitlynn Jones, Shelby Dye, and Valerie Goldberg will continue with the success of previous celebrations. Abby Pruitt, Executive Director of BHS, has a lot to celebrate with this group of volunteers who work so hard to ensure our furry friends are well taken care of.

Another fundraiser being held on Thursday, October 24th, The Fairhope Witches Ride, will also benefit the Baldwin Humane Society. These community events are so important to non-profit organizations in the area, and big-hearted people like Beth Fugard and her committee need to be commended for their hard work and dedication to unfortunate dogs and cats. 

Sponsorships are available for next year's festival, ranging from $250 for “Happy Paws” up to 25,000 for “Diamond Paws’. You can also donate directly at baldwinhumane.org. Stowe's Jewelers in Downtown Fairhope is Beth’s family-owned business, so stop in and tell her thank you for all she does. I think we really ought to thank the first yellow cat.