It was a night for tie dye and bell bottoms, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane and The Who on the DoubleTree sound system, VW buses in the parking lot and cuddly pups to pet.

Fur Ball No. 29 on May 9 was cooler than cool for 450+ animal lovers, a Peace, Love and Paws WOOFSTOCK fundraising event. And it broke all records for Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region with $860,000 for animals in need.

Adoptable dogs visited with guests during the evening’s reception and were walked on the runway during the Pet Parade. They were available to meet for potential adoption the next morning at the shelter on Abbot Lane.

“Fur Ball is such a special night because it brings together a community of people who care deeply about animals and the families who love them,” said Kelley Likes, HSPPR president & CEO. “The incredible support we received at this year’s event will help provide lifesaving care, shelter, and critical resources for thousands of animals across the Pikes Peak region. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this our most successful Fur Ball yet!”

Funds raised at the event help support programs and services for animals entering the shelter needing new homes, as well as subsidizing costs for people’s pets to receive low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, wellness exams and vaccinations.

The very large numbers shared for 2025 were 44,915 animals’ lives touched, 4,583 lost pets reunited, 13,289 animals adopted, 53,068 Animal Law Enforcement calls, 13,518 spays/neuters and 2,862 animals fostered.

“We’re Better Together” was the slogan for the night of record donations. According to HSPPR Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica James, “Many of our longtime supporters stepped up in incredibly generous ways during Fur Ball this year. Several donors increased their giving and inspired others through generous Raise Your Paddle matching gifts during the program. Their leadership and passion for animals helped create an unforgettable night of giving that will make a meaningful impact for pets and people across our community.”

Maverick and Goose, the personable and quite large Phil Long Ford Motor City mascots, had helped raise thousands of dollars and were there with General Manager Mark Barton.They’re Leonbergers, mixes of Newfoundland, St. Bernard and Great Pyrenees.

The Better Together evening sponsors were All Pro Capital, Animal ER Care, The Broadmoor, Cane Johnson, Chief Petroleum Co., Fetch Pet Insurance, Phil Long Ford of Motor City, Vickie and Gaylord Smith, and Toyota.

The next HSPPR event is Pawtoberfest, Sept. 12 outdoors at Union Printers Home at Printers Hill. For more information, hsppr.org.