This weekend, local canine enthusiasts will have the chance to dine alongside their dogs and contribute to a worthy cause while doing it.

Wintzell’s Oyster House in Greenville is holding another “Pups on the Patio” event in support of the Butler County Humane Society Saturday, May 20.

Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., a percentage of all luncheon sales of food and beverages will be donated to the BCHS.

“We really do appreciate Wintzell’s for partnering with us to do these events each year. If you don’t already know, they are a pet-friendly business and patrons are always welcome to dine with their dogs on their patio. It’s not just for these events,” says acting BCHS president Kandys Killough. “Pups on the Patio is a chance to do some fund raising for our organization, and also raise awareness of just what we do to improve animal welfare in the county.”

Killough says volunteers will be on hand during the event to answer patrons’ questions and provide information on low-cost spay and neuter services available for the pets of all Butler County residents, regardless of income. The BCHS also provides a limited number of no-cost pet spaying and neutering for residents meeting income criteria.

“Pet overpopulation is a big problem in our county. Our local shelter works hard to find homes for Butler County’s homeless animals either through adoption, or, in many cases, through rescue groups around the country. But they can’t all be saved,” Killough says.

“Spaying and neutering helps prevent those unwanted kittens and puppies from being born, being abandoned, ending up in the shelter and possibly having to be euthanized.  That’s why we not only encourage pet owners to have their animals fixed, we help provide the opportunity to do so at an affordable cost.”

Volunteers will also offer BCHS t-shirts, pet calendars and other pet-related items for sale during Pups on the Patio, with monetary donations of any amount always welcome.

To inquire about spaying and neutering for your pets, contact the BCHS’s toll-free spay-neuter hotline at 210-7600 and leave your information.