Celebrating the 17th Annual Hope for the Holidays Gala, guests and supporters of Stray Rescue experienced an unforgettable evening of delectable food, open bar, live music, Tarot and Palm Reading and many silent and live auction items – at the biggest gala to date in the fabulous Khorassan Room at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel.

Featured guests included St Louisan Juliana Dever from the hit ABC series “Castle”, David Faustino from “Married with Children”, along with special guests St. Louis Blues hall of famer Brett Hull. Monique Marvez provided a comedic sampling of her LA on air program: The Monique Marvez Show.

Stray Rescue’s mission leads the way towards making St. Louis a compassionate city where every companion animal knows health, comfort, and affection, and no stray is euthanized merely because he or she has been abandoned, abused, or neglected. As part of the mission, Stray Rescue works the streets daily, taking a progressive, proactive approach to establishing a permanent resolution to the stray companion animal problem through dedicated rescue efforts, sheltering, community outreach programs, education, collaborations, and the encouragement of responsible pet guardianship.

Virtually all of the pets saved have been abused and neglected. They have been dumped on highways, or remote country roads. Abandoned in public parks, empty houses and dark alleys. Stray Rescue even has saved dogs left chained behind buildings after their owners have left.

Rescued animals often make the best pets. Pets from Stray Rescue seem to understand that they have a second lease on life. In return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.