Dogs Rule

Pups arrive on doorsteps or are passed over fences by friends. They are then given names, which usually become other names, like Henry to Hank to "Hankaloo" to the inexplicable "Snoodle." Butts wiggle "hello," and barks demand that the ball gets thrown — these dogs become members of our families. Wonderful people, like the loving folks at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (www.strayrescue.org), make sure that the neediest little beasties are plucked from the streets to receive medical treatment, shelter and eventually a home. In what has become a yearly tradition to benefit these saints of the canine world, and the pups themselves, Mad Arf barks up the Mad Art Gallery (2727 South 12th Street; 314-771-8230 or www.madart.com) from 7 to 11 p.m. More than 40 artists will silent-auction off their puppy-inspired work (final bids must be placed by 10 p.m.), with all proceeds going directly to Stray Rescue's operating costs. This year's goal of $25,000 would help bring a lot of future furry friends out of the cold and onto warm laps, where they're needed most. Admission to the fundraiser is free and so are the snacks; a cash bar provides the drinks.
Fri., March 30