By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Paws up! The Shelby Humane Society desire is to give life a chance for our four-legged friends.

Its mission is to “care for homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals and educate the community to instill an increased awareness and commitment to the responsibility of animal ownership and protection,” according to Shelbyhumane.org.

But it takes money, lots of money to run the shelter and give the best care available to these vulnerable animals.

The Best Friends of the Shelby Humane was formed to help meet extra needs of SHS with volunteers and by raising much-needed funds.

Barking Bargains and Meow Market Sale is Saturday, May 2 at the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana.

Think huge garage sale! The Best Friends need your items to sell and need you to come and buy! But cash only!

Items needed to donate are: Furniture, household and office items, gently used clothes, toys, antiques, collectibles, working electronics and appliances and books.

Donation receipts for tax purposes are available. Drop-off dates at the exhibition center are Wednesday and Thursday, April 29-30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. For more information, email Bestfriendsofshelbyhumane@gmail.com.

Preview Night is Friday, May 1 from 6-8 p.m.

Tickets cost $10 to shop early. Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the indoor rummage sale will be open, free to the public with all proceeds going to the Shelby Humane Society.

Tails and Tires Car Show will be Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Columbiana.

This family-friendly day will feature food, music, arts, crafts and cars, lots of cars.

Awards will be given: Mayor’s Choice; Best in Show; Best in Show Runner-Up; Best Custom; Best Original; and Best Street Rod.

Registration begins at 8 a.m.; $20 registration fee for first car; $15 for second, third, etc. For information, contact Debbie Williams, debwilli@southernco.com or 669-8438.

Pets will be available for adoption.

Bark and Wine will be Saturday, June 13 at Inverness Country Club.

This fun, dressy casual dinner is hosted by the SHS Board of Directors.

Corporate tables are available and a silent auction will be held. For more information, email radams4shs@bellsouth.net.