KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
February 26, 2019
by Addie Davis and Katrina Katsarelis
A fundraiser was held on Saturday at Patsy Pet Market in Katy for a dog that was found burned after having fireworks duct-taped to her back.
On New Year's Day, Meg, a two-year-old dachshund mix, was found wandering around in a Jersey Village neighborhood with severe burns and fireworks still attached to her back.
The Dachshund Rescue of Houston quickly took her in and began getting medical attention for the injured dog; veterinarians had to shave off the melted plastic that had burned the dog's skin and coat. It is not known who caused the abuse to Meg.
Meg has since been adopted by a Stevie and Scott Atkinson in Houston and is a loving pet who is making great progress. However, she still requires ongoing medical treatment due to the severity of her burns.
Horrific Abuse
“When I heard of the animal abuse to little Meg I wanted to educate people about this case and also the disturbing amount of animal abuse in our community,” says Patsy McGirl, owner of Patsy's Pet Market in Katy. “We cannot look the other way and education is the key to ensure people show compassion towards all animals.”McGirl decided to throw a Mardi Gras themed fundraiser to benefit Meg and the organization that saved her.
“I am from New Orleans and Mardi Gras is always celebrated in my family, no matter where we reside,” says McGirl.
Patsy’s Pet Market supplied and prepared the crawfish for the event. Customers of the store were able to make donations prior to the benefit, and event-goers could purchase a plate for $8 if they wanted to. In addition to the delicious crawfish, the event featured a raffle for an 82-quart Bayou classic crawfish boiler.
Photo: Patsy of Patsy's Pet Market
All donations made were matched by Zignature Pet Foods and went directly to the Dachshund Rescue of Houston, to help cover ongoing expenses for Meg and many other Dachshunds. “Zignature pet foods stepped up immediately and asked to get involved because they do see the need to bring awareness about animal abuse,” says McGirl.
The Dachshund Rescue of Houston was able to raise more than $2,000 that day and the funds are still coming in says McGirl. She hopes her event was able to shed some light on this serious issue.
Abusers Have Not Been Found
“I am hoping we can expose this and hopefully those who saw this will step forward and the guilty person will be arrested,” says McGirl.
Patsy’s Pet Market is a big advocate for pets in need and hosts weekly and monthly events for the community. They offer Bark and Wine every week and a monthly Free Community Dog Walking Clinic. They also provide informative workshops to educate people about a variety of pet care topics.
Meg makes an appearance at her fundraiser with adopted dad Scott Atkinson
.
“My biggest goal is to encourage people to spend time with their dogs, so hosting events allows families to come out with the kids and dogs and have some fun,” says McGirl.
Dachshund Rescue of Houston is entirely volunteer based. Anyone interested in being a foster or making a donation can learn more here.