It's all about "Tails" at the 50th Anniversary Gala Benefit for the Animal Welfare League and Premiere of locally produced film "Half Way Home"

Nothing makes a film better than having a lovable dog as a main character.  And the film making its debut at the upcoming Black and Gold Gala Benefit has two of them -- the most lovable shelter dogs ever.  One of the stars  is "Acline," an Irish setter rescued by Scott and Laurie Dysart and named after the street where he was found in Punta Gorda.  The  other is Casey, (who plays Zoe), a shelter dog and now the adopted pet of Nan Leonard, Punta Gorda resident and AWL volunteer.  It was Leonard who originally approached filmmaker Keith Tracy, screenwriter and executive producer of the short film "Half Way Home" that will premiere at the Animal Welfare League's 50th Anniversary Gala on November 9.

We won't spoil the tale that Tracy has so carefully crafted other than to say it's a love story that you won't want to miss.  "When the AWL asked us to do a film, I wanted to tell a story," says Tracy, a Punta Gorda resident and owner of Other West Coast Media.  The short film directed by Elizabeth Billings will be the centerpiece of a special celebration, the Black and Gold Gala -- the 50th anniversary of the Animal Welfare League's service to Charlotte County .

The league has provided over its 50-year history in the county a place of security and comfort for lost, given-up and abandoned animals.   Rescuing sick, injured and abused dogs and cats, facilitating adoption of  animals into new homes, helping family pets stay in homes and educating pet owners and community about the needs of their companion animals are all part of the AWL's mission.  The shelter welcomes thousands of dogs, cats and other small animals each year, but their care is expensive.  Meds to bring abandoned, often weak dogs and cats to health represent a significant cost alone.

The proceeds from the gala will help the Shelter continue its work for these Charlotte County animals. It will feature dinner, dancing, silent auctions, and music by Deb and the Dynamics along with the premiere of "Half-Way Home."  Black tie (tails) is suggested.  More information on tickets.  


(Photos courtesy of Nan Leonard)