(Left) One-year-old Cash has been at the Chenango SPCA waiting for his forever home for four months. SPCA staff describe Cash as having a puppy-like nature and being full of love. (Right) Nearly two-year-old Raven is one of the 166 cats at the Chenango SPCA, and is available for adoption. Now through July 31, adoption fees at the Chenango SPCA are lowered to $25 for cats and $50 for dogs through the Bissell Empty the Shelters event. (Submitted photos)

NORWICH — The Chenango SPCA is bringing back a fundraiser that began last summer. Paws and Pints will return for its second year on Saturday, August 6 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Hidden Springs Brewhouse in Norwich.

The event will feature musical performances, the return of magician Ryan Bliss from CNY Magic Shows, games, T-shirts for sale, a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, and more.

As of July 22, the Chenango SPCA had 166 cats and 15 dogs in their care. Executive Director Annette Clarke said it costs about $1,000 per day to run the shelter and care for the animals, so fundraisers like Paws and Pints help to offset the cost.

"With almost 200 animals to care for we are always in need. This fundraiser will not only be fun, but will help us raise funds needed to care for our animals," said Clarke. "We provide food, vaccines, flea treatment, dewormer and so much more, and a staff to care for them all. This type of fundraiser helps."

While there is no set price to get in to Paws and Pints, the SPCA asks for a donation upon arrival. Games provided by Hidden Springs, such as cornhole, will be set up on the premises, ice cream from Gilligan's will be available for purchase, as well as a selection of refreshing craft beers by Hidden Springs.

Magician Ryan Bliss will be wowing attendees with magic tricks from 2 to 4 p.m. Beginning at 2:30 p.m., Front Porch Harmony will take the stage to perform both covers and original music in their folk, Americana, and bluegrass style. Following the group at 4 p.m. will be The Sundown Band, featuring a selection of country, oldies, and classic 80s rock.

Last year's Paws and Pints fundraiser raised a total of $3,086 to benefit the shelter and its animals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chenango SPCA has had to scale back on their fundraising efforts and postpone annual events, such as the Fur Ball fundraiser. But, Clarke said she hopes that will begin to change.

"Now that the pandemic has eased up a bit I am sure we will look at other fundraising opportunities in the future," she said.

The Paws and Pints fundraiser is supported by local sponsors, including Hidden Springs Brewhouse, Oliver's Campers, Gilligan's Ice Cream, and StaffWorks.

For those that want to help out the shelter beyond attending the fundraiser, there are many ways to get involved.

"Donate during the year or become a loyal friend, which is a monthly donation. Donation information can be found on chenangospca.org or simply call us at 607-334-9724. Donate cleaning supplies like paper towels, Pine Sol, and tall kitchen garbage bags, toys for the animals, or volunteer for any of our events or here at the shelter," said Clarke. "Spay or neuter your animals — we can offer some help with that — and most importantly, adopt from us. We have so many who deserve a good and loving home."

In addition to Paws and Pints, the Chenango SPCA will be hosting two other events in the month of August. At noon on Sunday, August 7, Jill Kraft from the Artists' Palette will be at the Chenango SPCA teaching area pet owners how to paint their four-legged family members at another Paint Your Pet's Portrait event. On Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the shelter will host a community garage sale.

Those looking to adopt can also take advantage of the Bissell Empty the Shelters event. Now through July 31, adoption fees at the SPCA have been discounted to $25 for cats and $50 for dogs.

More information on Paint Your Pet's Portrait, the garage sale, and animals available for adoption can be found at chenangospca.org or on the Chenango SPCA Facebook page.

"Everything we do is for the animals. If our adoption or admittance process seems unreasonable, know that we are here to protect all our animals," said Clarke. "We are their voice — Be the pair of hands that save a set of paws."