Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) in Glenwood Springs will celebrate 25 years of service this Saturday at its annual gala, Dressed to the K9s.

“(Dressed to the K9s) in its entirety feels like a great celebration of our community’s generosity, and it’s encouraging and fulfilling to have the support of our donors at the event,” said Wes Boyd, CARE’s executive director.

CARE serves as a safe haven for both relinquished pets and stray animals from Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley. Beyond sheltering animals, it also serves as a resource center, offering services like spay and neuter assistance, trap-neuter-release for feral cats, free pet identification, low-cost vaccine clinics and a pet food bank, as well as other pet supplies. 

So far in 2025, the shelter has taken in 60 stray animals and 47 owner-relinquished pets from Glenwood Springs alone. Around 391 pets have been adopted into new homes this year with more than a quarter going to families in the area, according to Boyd.

This year’s Dressed to the K9s gala will be held at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW). The evening features a paddle raise benefiting CARE’s veterinary care fund, the Thumper Fund, along with a canine fashion show—Fashion and Fur— featuring CARE alumni and rescue pets from other organizations. Adoptable “pet of the week” features will be announced by youth DJs from the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP).

“I can’t wait to see this year’s fashion show, and hear the pet of the week announcements from the youth DJs at AZYEP,” Boyd said. 

Guests can enjoy small bites, hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by TACAW, followed by desserts sponsored by Sunshine and Moons Bakery. Adding to the evening’s fun, a litter of puppies and an adoptable dog will mingle with attendees throughout the event. Guests should plan to wear “cowboy cocktail,” or semi-formal, attire. 

“One, it’s a really great evening, relaxed, and a celebration of pets and the joy they bring to our lives,” Boyd said. “And two, it’s a wonderful opportunity to support the shelter and celebrate the work we do at CARE.”