VANCEBURG — Earlier this month, the Lewis County Animal Shelter held a fundraiser by a group called Jordan’s Way. Jordan’s Way travels to shelters all across the US bringing awareness to folks about the needs animal shelters have. What should have been a joyful day was cut short by the realization that not enough volunteers were available.

Understandably, people work and kids have school but Jordan’s Way was not able to complete their fundraiser as scheduled because their games rely totally on volunteer participation. There is hope that Jordan’s Way may be able to return at a later date but until then, the Lewis County Animal Shelter is still desperately in need.

To combat the inability of the Jordan’s Way fundraiser, another fundraiser has been decided upon and plans are underway for a Halloween costume contest.

What could be better than a Halloween costume contest one might ask? How about a dog Halloween costume contest? Dressed-up doggies will get to take a stroll on the catwalk, or rather dog walk, and strut their stuff.

From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on October 28, the Lewis County Animal Shelter will hold its contest for the best-dressed pooch. The price for entry is $10 per dog.

The owner whose pup takes first place will get to choose between splitting the pot or taking a mystery box.

The shelter has asked for three volunteers to step up and agree to be judges for the event.

All pup participants are required to be leashed at all times while at the shelter.

The shelter is also currently selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a quilt or gift basket.

The volunteer-donated handmade quilt features an American Flag and Bald Eagle.

There are four different baskets available.

Back Alley Spirits donated a liquor basket containing a $25 Back Alley Liquor gift card, $10 is scratch-offs, beef jerky, cajun trail mix and an animal print blanket.

Lyco Fuels has donated a dog basket. The basket features four dog toys, two bags of dog biscuits, a bag of chew bones, some waste bags, a treat container, a coffee cup and a dog brush.

Chiggers has donated an ice cream basket. The basket contains a $30 gift card to Chiggers, two sundae cups, two boxes of cones, four ice cream owls, a bottle of Hershey syrup and a bag of Haribo gummies.

Last but certainly not least is a household item basket which was donated by Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. This basket includes a $15 gift card to Dollar General, two Gain dryer sheets, two Febreeze aerosol cans, some Gain laundry pods and softener, a coffee mug, an oven mitt and a dish mat.

For those hoping to purchase tickets, they are $1 or $5 for six tickets. Call 713-480-2864 to pay with cash or send money by Paypal at mirandadevitt@yahoo.com or Cash App at $BillyrayMcclurg. Please specify whether the money is for the quilt raffle or the basket raffle.

The first basket winner will get to choose the basket they like and so on. The raffle is ongoing and winners will be announced toward the end of October.

As always, the shelter is still in dire need of volunteers. Anyone who has time or resources to donate to the Lewis County Animal Shelter would be greatly appreciated.