Humane Society fundraiser at Ruby Tuesday’s Sept. 21-22

Rescued dogs available for adoption Friday

VERO BEACH — A group of dogs recently rescued from dire circumstances in Puerto Rico will be available for adoption Friday, according to the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County. The 18 mixed-breed street dogs once left for dead were rescued by local animal advocates in Puerto Rico, flown to Fort Lauderdale by the Humane Society of the United States and taken in and cared for by the local humane agency. The dogs are small to medium sized, range from three months to nine years old and are ready to find new homes throughout Indian River County. All dogs have been spayed or neutered, dewormed, micro-chipped and have received age appropriate vaccinations. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to ...

“Dogtoberfest” to be held next month

VERO BEACH — A family-friendly festival featuring man's best friend is coming soon to Vero Beach. Guests can come to the admission-free "Dogtoberfest" from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. September 23 at the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County, 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach. They can bring their well-behaved dog on a leash and enjoy music, food, beer, hay-rides, a kids-zone, dog costume contest and a fun canine lure course. "It's a great opportunity to bring people to the shelter and see what we're about," said Jennifer Downes, assistant director of development for the humane society. Guests don't have to be a dog owner to attend the event. They can also come alone or with their families, Downes ...

Impact 100 grants $433k to local nonprofits

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), the Indian River Charter High School, the Florida Institute of Technology Scott Center for Autism Treatment, and the Shining Light Garden Foundation are all $100,000 richer, thanks to the 433 philanthropic members of Indian River County Impact 100. With smiles of excitement, the ladies gathered at the Oak Harbor Clubhouse Thursday afternoon, eager to cast their votes and determine which four of the seven nonprofit finalists would each be receiving a $100,000 transformational grant. They would join the ranks of 15 previous programs receiving grants in the areas of family, education, health and wellness, and enrichment and environment. The remaining three finalists, Sebastian Charter Junior High School, Old Vero Ice Age Sites Committee ...