The non-profit organization Animal Companions of Las Cruces is holding a fund-raiser hosted by the Blue Moon Bar & Grill from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 26. The fundraiser will include a cornhole tournament with cash prizes, an “Arts for the Animals” silent auction featuring original art work with special emphasis on the art of Southern New Mexico, and a raffle ticket for an original art work done on site during the event.

Cornhole teams need to sign up with garry@bluemoonnm.com . The fee for teams is $80, non-players who are there to enjoy all the fun will pay $10, which entitles them to a raffle ticket. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted at the door. For more information about Animal Companions of Las Cruces go to https://animalcompanionsoflascruces.org/ or contact Dr. Dawn Duncan, founder and chair of Animal Companions of Las Cruces, at duncan@cord.edu

“There hasn’t been 24/7 emergency care for pets available since 2018 without a drive to El Paso,” Duncan stated. “Animal Companions of Las Cruces is working hard to change this situation, helping recruit veterinary staff to our region for any of our current clinics, educating pet parents to avoid emergencies, working with legislators to make veterinary care more accessible, and working toward the ultimate goal of establishing and sustaining a 24/7 emergency hospital for pets in Las Cruces.”

The counties of Southern New Mexico rate an 11 or 12 out of a possible score of 100 for available pet care, according to Duncan.