$20,000 donation for county animals announced at ‘Yappy Hour’

A donation of $20,000 to the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC) was greeted by loud applause at Friday’s “Yappy Hour” at ViNoVa restaurant on Main Street, Front Royal, on November 15.

The announcement, by HSWC president Ellen Aders over a swiftly provided bullhorn, overwhelmed the collection of $220 raised at the recently re-introduced fundraiser for the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter which, in its first two months, has donated almost $1,200 to the Humane Society. The event, held every Friday evening, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., receives a share of sales toward the shelter operation as it did for two years previously at the old Vino e Formaggio restaurant, netting $12,000 for HSWC over the period.

Ophelia, a miniature pug, was rescued by the writer and his wife, Carol, from the Julia Wagner Shelter 10 years ago. Photos/April Jansen

Aders said the anonymous donation was received earlier in the day “in memory of (an animal shelter supporter) who passed recently.” She took the opportunity to encourage people to “remember the animals” as they prepare their own wills.

ViNoVa, owned and operated by Rachel Failmezger and Chef Chris Kenworthy, opened last August in the same but improved premises as the old Vino e Formaggio at 124 Main Street. It brought “tapas” to the area and deals exclusively in wines and beers from Europe and basic foodstuffs fresh from the fields of Warren County.

Diva, a Siberian Husky rescue, also owned by the writer and his wife, is a fervent watcher of television.

To the uninitiated, tapas are servings of expertly prepared foods on small plates accompanied by beverages of choice.

Malcolm Barr Sr. and Christian Failmezger organized and launched “Yappy Hour” in Front Royal. The current version of “Yappy Hour” is increasingly well supported, so a packed house of mainly animal lovers was on hand to hear last Friday’s good news.

Diva takes a nap on a forbidden couch.