NATCHITOCHES – Paws for a Cause Week kicks off at Northwestern State University Monday, Oct. 13, launching a week of “compassion, education, and community action to support animal welfare in Natchitoches and beyond,” according to organizers. The week will include pet therapy, speakers, the 12th annual Farm to Table fund raiser dinner and other activities to engage the community and bring awareness to animal welfare.
Paws for a Cause Week is a partnership initiative with Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals (FAUNA), NSU’s School of STEM, NSU’s Department of Veterinary Technology, and NSU’s Office of Economic Development and Advancement.
Monday, Oct. 13 will feature “Paws and Relax,” a stress-relief/pet therapy event in which students can interact with therapy animals provided through FAUNA’s Providing Animal Comfort Therapy (PACT) program. This event promotes student wellness and supports FAUNA’s mission of protecting and caring for animals.
Guest speakers Dr. Herman Soong, M.D. from Tulane University School of Medicine and the Honorable Hillar Moore, District Attorney from East Baton Rouge Parish, will present “The Cruelty Connection: Animal Abuse and Human Violence,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14 in the Sylvan Friedman Student Union Ballroom. They will discuss how cruelty to animals can be a warning sigh of violence against people and how to create safer communities. The event is free and open to the public.
The 12th annual Farm to Table Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Mariner’s Restaurant. This popular FAUNA fund raiser will feature a specially curated multi-course menu with wine pairings, highlighting the best of local flavors and seasonal ingredients. Seating is limited. Reservations are available https://www.npfauna.org/event/farm-to-table/.
NSU Vet Tech students will present “Paw-traits: Snap. Smile. Support” from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 on the steps leading to the Columns on Normal Hill. Individuals can bring their pets and get a free photo available for download after the event.
Vet Tech will host a Bathe-A-Dog Day from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 in Bienvenu Hall Room 106 in which pets can get spa-style treatments that includes a bath, nail trimming, ear cleaning and anal gland expression. Pricing is based on dog’s weight starting at $13. Proceeds support the Vet Tech Club and their ongoing mission to provide animal care and learning opportunities for students.
“This partnership highlights the heart of our program, preparing students not only as skilled veterinary professionals but also as compassionate community leaders,” said Dr. Rachel Cezar-Martinez, director of Veterinary Technology at NSU. “I am excited for Paws for Cause Week because it will give NSU Veterinary Technology students the grand opportunity to receive hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom training with real-world practice, while instilling the values of service, advocacy, and leadership.”
For more information on Paws for a Cause Week, including event details and registration, contact FAUNA at npfauna@gmail.com. Information on NSU’s Veterinary Technology is available at https://www.nsula.edu/program/veterinary-technology/. Information on FAUNA is available at www.npFAUNA.org.