Allyson King and Jacque Petrone. PHOTO BY MARY SCHENKEL

Guests at a festive Bow Wow Meow Luau fundraiser enjoyed a Hawaiian-themed evening filled with great food, jaw-dropping entertainment and, of course, some adorable, adoptable animals, all to benefit the H.A.L.O. No-Kill Shelter in Sebastian.

At the entrance to the lovely Magnolia Manor, Jacque Petrone, founder and executive director, and Allyson King, director of development, handed out colorful leis to everyone in an Aloha greeting. Inside, staff held an assortment of dogs and cats seeking loving homes, all of which happily accepted the extra attention they were given.

One of those was Hummus, a sweet and quite calm Chihuahua cradled in the arms of Michelle Lee.

“So these were from St. Lucie; there were 50 total and one cat,” said Michelle Lee, noting that the animals, rescued from appalling conditions, were primarily Chihuahuas and terrier mixes ranging in age from 2 to 7.

“H.A.L.O ended up getting 18 of them. A few of them were pregnant and they’re in foster homes. And then we put four of these babies, who were really, really nervous, into foster homes as well.”

Lee said that after having them for just a short time, the foster parents each said they wanted to adopt their charges, adding that the other dogs would be put up for adoption.

“We’re going to do a few at a time because the other ones still need to learn, behavioral wise, how to come out of their shells,” said Lee.

Of Hummus, she said, “he’s been breaking some hearts tonight. He is very demanding of attention. He will bark until you come and give it to him, but once he’s comfortable, he’s the happiest little thing. He shakes his little tail everywhere and he does this little smiling thing; it’s very sweet.”

During the cocktail hour, many perused the numerous silent- and live-auction items, including a stunning animal-centric quilt made by Sandy Merryman, that featured a ‘rescue ride’ bus filled with furry friends and the hopeful sign, ‘Next Stop Home.’

“Post-COVID, we have witnessed a large downturn in adoptions. It’s primarily the biggest issue; that and donations,” said board president Aaron Johnson.

“And so we’re doing our best to supplement that. We’re reaching out to our supporters as much as we can without being too much and we’re also still working to supplement our facilities.”

He said what they need most is additional and improved space for the animals.

“Between now and the next couple of years we hope to have just an incredible facility.

Hopefully the economy bounces back, and people are in a position where they can adopt and support us,” said Johnson.

Later, Wild Thyme Catering went all out with its tropical island menu, and hula dancers and a Samoan warrior dancer from Aloha Productions amazed everyone with grace and a display of prowess, twirling and tossing a flaming machete.

For more information, visit HaloRescueFL.org.

Photos by Mary Schenkel