Paws to celebrate

Published 4:21 pm Monday, June 8, 2009

Miss Monkey, a lively 7-month-old terrier mix, prances around in a ruby red dress outside Birmingham Bake and Cook Company.

This Saturday, the shop will be the setting for a fund–raiser benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and animals like Miss Monkey, who’s lived at the shelter for several weeks.

“I love that this shows that shelter dogs need to be loved and pampered just as much as any dog,” Moore said. “We really want to promote adoptions because we can save so many lives.”

The society’s women’s auxiliary organized the June 13 bake sale to bring in funds for the society’s general fund. The auxiliary plans to sell baked goods, with Birmingham Bake and Cook Company matching all the proceeds dollar for dollar.

Owner Susan Green said she’s always seen Bake and Cook as a community shop.

“Many of the auxiliary members are customers,” Green said. “I feel very supported by all my customers, but the members of the auxiliary have really showed me a tremendous amount of support. This allows me to do the same for them.”

Green also plans to offer “Critter Cuisine” demonstrations every half hour.

The homemade treats come from the auxiliary’s own compilation of recipes, “Paws to Celebrate,” which will be on sale. The book includes 525 recipes. Those recipes come from local chefs, veterinarians, and national celebrities like Betty White and former NBA star Charles Barkley.

Animal lovers can also purchase clothing for their furry friends, as well as treats, dog bowls and shampoo from Fancy Fur next door. The shop plans to also donate a portion of its proceeds.

Shirts declaring “Give A Pet A Home,” will be on sale during the event. The shirts cost $15, with $4 going directly toward the humane society.

Michael Mussolino of “Making Good Choices” created the shirts.

Mussolino said he felt like this was a great way to help other animals.

“The world is so negative, so we wanted to do something to put out positive messages,” Mussolino said. “What better message can we put out there than those that help charities and allow us to give back.”

The event will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call 980-3661.