They say every dog has its day. And for many Coachella Valley canine lovers, that day was Aug. 29, when Animal Samaritans held its sixth annual DOGust Birthday Bash + Bingo event at the Kimpton Rowan Hotel Palm Springs.
A capacity crowd of 120 celebrated the end of the dog days of summer with a buffet luncheon and bingo spectacular emceed by Sister Burna. DOGust also marks the culmination of AS' Poorly Drawn Pets fundraising effort. That day, several puppies, barking with glee, were adopted. August is recognized as the birthday month for shelter and rescue dogs whose actual birth dates are unknown.
"DOGust gives our community the opportunity to get out of the August heat for a few hours and do something fun and charitable for homeless dogs," said
Tom Snyder, CEO of AS. "It all benefits our life-saving programs at Animal Samaritans' Safe Haven Shelter."
"I love seeing everyone celebrate what we all have in common: our love for animals," said Valerie Kattz, the nonprofit's community and public relations specialist. "DOGust is fun, but behind all the laughter, the boisterous bingo games and the guest camaraderie is an important mission: giving homeless pets the warmth, care and second chance they deserve."
Animal Samaritans provides a wide range of services for pets and their caregivers, like its state-of-the-art veterinary clinics in Indio and Thousand Palms, which provide urgent care, cardiology, oncology and general practice. AS provides rescue services and safe havens for at-risk adoptable dogs and cats.
"Each and every year, we impact the lives of thousands of animals," said Len Betz, AS board president. "Events like DOGust and the upcoming Men of the Desert 2026: Disco Dogs fashion show on Dec. 6 are critical to our funding."
Volunteers were all smiles at the DOGust event, registering guests, manning the puppy play area, helping with decorations and tidying up guest tables. Under the stewardship of Michelle Gear, the volunteer team at Animal Samaritans numbers more than 420. They perform essential tasks, like serving as clinic greeters, assisting with animal companion therapy and acting as fosters for pets still searching for their forever home. Volunteers also play key roles when AS visits with more than 14,000 Coachella Valley students throughout the school year.
Laurie Lund, a recent retiree, assisted DOGust guests at the event check-in table. "Volunteering keeps me productive, fulfilled and feeling of service," she said. "AS has lots of wonderful volunteers, but the need for more is always there. … Working at the spay and neuter clinics is my favorite. Seeing puppies and kittens come in with their owners and knowing they are treasured. Pets have always played a special role in my home, so I love helping other families with their animals."
DOGust came together with the support of Flood Response Restoration Services, the presenting sponsor, and the Cruz Eberle Foundation, which hosted the wine for the luncheon and the puppy play area. The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel has served as the event site every year and works hand in hand with AS to make DOGust a memorable occasion.
Chris Cellini from Flood Response Restoration Services said, "Our business is built around helping people when they need it most. That philosophy extends to how we serve our community. AS provides care and compassion to animals that depend on people who advocate for them, and Flood Response is proud to embrace that."
Feline enthusiasts Rich Conway and his partner, Brad Irwin, attended the festivities. They will also be going to DOGust's companion breakfast event, CATurday, which takes place each year in April. "I have so much fun at these functions," Conway said. "We love meeting other animal lovers and playing bingo, too. We look forward to these fundraisers that benefit AS and to supporting the work it does for our valley's animals."
It sure seems like it was raining cats and dogs for Conway and Irwin and so many others that attended DOGust. Because on that day, there was a downpour of support on display for Animal Samaritans.
For more information on adopting a pet or to volunteer at Animal Samaritans, visit animalsamaritans.org.
Sergio Garcia enjoys writing about the good people that do great things in our community. Contact him at sergio071364@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Animal Samaritans celebrates DOGust, raising critical funds
