HUNTSVILLE – Dog Ball 2021 will entertain its audience with tongue-in-cheek puns and lively auction bidding to benefit the Greater Huntsville Humane Society.

Dog Ball serves as the humane society’s major annual fundraiser. Typically, the event is an exciting in-person event that gathers donations that defray expenses for the animal shelter incurred while providing care to in-need animals.

However, COVID-19 restrictions led this year organizers to try a different approach. They will host a virtual event for Dog Ball on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.

Handling the online ‘broadcast’ will be WHNT-TV News 19 and Facebook Live! The Valley’s CW television network will air an encore presentation at 8 p.m.

The evening’s star celebrities definitely are the ‘VIDs’ or Very Important Dogs, which make the Dog Ball such a special and unique experience. The Dog Ball welcomes VIDs from all breeds – pure and mixed – to join in the fun by appearing as ‘runway’ models for the audience.

Owners can complete an interest form on the website, thedogball.org, and a member of the VID committee will contact the owner to learn more about the cherished pet.

Entry fee is $200 for one dog or $250 for two dogs. This tax-deductible amount will help feed and house animals in need. The VID participation roster fills up quickly, so don’t procrastinate in nominating a dog for Dog Ball 2021.

Businesses can participate in corporate sponsorship. Different levels of contributions are open and offer special perks. Donating an item for auction is an excellent opportunity to highlight a company or personal support that many animal lovers will see while viewing the ball.

Guests can bid on auction items for in-demand merchandise and professional services. Some of the most sought-after items in the auction are tickets to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Historically, the Dog Ball generates more than $100,000 that the humane society uses to care for and find homes for some of our area’s abused and neglected animals.

The Dog Ball Committee plans and implements all aspects of the event, such as marketing and publicity, decorations and auction. The committee consists of community volunteers who love animals and want to have fun while helping the pets. To help with the Dog Ball, complete the “Get Involved” form on the website thedogball.org.