Love animals? Here are 5 fun ways to give back this month

Want to support local animal rescues while enjoying a great night out? From cat-filled craft nights to charity golf outings and pub crawls, West Michigan is packed with fun ways to give back this August.

Every event listed below helps fund vital medical care, shelter, and second chances for animals across our region. Check out these five local events happening this month and find your next way to make a difference.

Cats and Canvases with Cat Lounge

• Who: Happy Cat Cafe
• Where: 447 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids
• When: Recurring, upcoming event: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15

Experience a painting class like never before, with cats. No experience required; be prepared to relax and paint with cats at your side. Each ticket includes one cafe drink, a polaroid keepsake, and time to visit with the cats. Supplies will be provided. Tickets cost $42 and you get to bring home your masterpiece. This event lasts 90 minutes. 

Pedal for Paws Pub Crawl

• Who: Pound Buddies, Heaven Can Wait, Big Lake Humane Society, and Faithful to Felines 
• Where: 149 Shoreline Drive, Muskegon
• When: Noon-4 p.m. Aug. 15 

Join the second annual Pedal for Paws Pub Crawl, a biking adventure starting at Hot Rod Harley Davidson and heading through downtown Muskegon. All proceeds are split between the four local rescues providing food, medical care, and second chances. Registration is split between Standard Registration ($50), Rescue Rider ($100) and Park Rider Team ($250)(6 registrations for the price of 5)

Putts for Paws

• Who: Harbor Humane
• Where: 4514 E Ottogan St., Holland
• When: Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., shotgun starts at 9 a.m. Aug. 21

Join in on a day of golf, silent auction, Bloody Mary bar and more. Registration for a team of four starts at $450, and you can register here. 

Tarot Card Reading Night

• Who: Happy Cat Cafe
• Where: 447 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids
• When: 6 p.m. Aug. 20

Enjoy a private tarot card reading at Happy Cat Cafe; each ticket is $32 and the event lasts two hours. Each ticket comes with one cafe drink, a polaroid keepsake and a fully hosted experience. 

WMK9 2nd Annual Golf Fundraiser 

• Who: WMK9 Foundation
• Where: 2454 Putnam Road, Muskegon
• When: 9 a.m. Aug. 29

Enjoy your day golfing, eating great food, bidding on silent auctions, and helping out a cause with the goal of continuing training and placing service dogs with veterans and first responders. RSVP at the link here. 

— Mallory Burt is a reporter for Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.