Puppies Gone Poker

When man’s best friend is also his best bet.

And this is no bluff.

The St. Tammany Humane Society would like to thank the community and all the participants that came out to the Northshore's first-ever pup-friendly poker run this past Saturday night. Almost 200 people (and their pups) participated this year making it a huge success. The event kicked-off at Ruby's Road House where crowds of people, dogs in hand, made their way to 5 local stops in Old Mandeville in hopes of getting that lucky card and the grand prize: $1,000.00. There were great drink and food specials at each stop including the Barley Oak, Zorro's Pet Store, and Pontchartrain Yacht Club. The final poker pit stop was located at Maxein's Coffee House and included live music from Christian Serpas & Ghost Town, host Vanessa Bolano from ABC 26, a 50/50 raffle, and great prizes for the top ten hands. Even one randomly selected "crappy" hand earned a 6-pack of Miller Lite beer (in picture). Jeremy Taylor and Kellie Maklary along with 5 month old dog, Justice held the winning hand and the $1,000.00 prize (in picture)! The two had just gotten engaged the Monday before and were extremely happy. "The money will go toward our wedding which will be this March and of course to get Justice neutered and microchipped at the humane society." Jeremy stated.

But let's not forget, this day went to the dogs and cats of the St. Tammany Humane Society. Executive Director, Vaughn Maurice said, "Events like this one are extremely important to our organization. We are an independent shelter that receives no governmental funding. When people come out and support us at events such as this one, the money is going to a great cause and to orphaned pets that truly deserve it." Louisiana's largest no-kill shelter was able to raise almost $6,000.00 toward the homeless and neglected pets of St. Tammany Parish. "We would not have been here for the last 60 years with out the support of the community," Maurice added.