Pet Pantries, Inc. recently hosted its 2nd Annual “Diamonds in the Ruff” fundraiser at Shearer the Jeweler, 22 North Washington Street in Easton. The event raised funds to continue the work that Pet Pantries does to keep the public pet food pantries filled at the Humane organizations in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. Shearer the Jeweler donated this year’s grand prize which were diamond earrings valued at $2,200.

“We are grateful to Shearer the Jeweler for hosting this event and for donating the beautiful diamond earrings that were the grand prize in the drawings for this event,” said Pet Pantries President Barbara Mulready.

Steve Shearer, owner of Shearer the Jeweler, added, “All of us at the store have pets at home, they’re part of the family. It’s fun to know that we are supporting the pet pantries and in turn the humane society.”

The generosity of this year’s sponsors to the event doubled the auction items and in turn the funds raised from the auction. Additional raffle prizes included a “Pamper Yourself” package which included a couples massage donated by Five Gables Inn and Spa; a dinner for two donated by the Inn at Perry Cabin; and an overnight stay in a deluxe waterfront room donated by Harbortowne Golf Resort. A “Pamper Your Pet” package included pet pampering and board for one night donated by Maryland Shore Pet Resort ; one year of pet grooming donated by Eileen’s Pampered Pets; a 10”x14”oil on canvas donated by Martha; and the Best Editorial of the Year Cartoons donated and signed by Rick Kollinger. Guests who made a contributions of $25 or more to Pet Pantries for the event chose which raffle category in which to be entered. Additional event sponsors included Hair 0’ the Dog, Paul and Debbie Shiley, Pam Zak and musician Kenny Haddaway.

The mission of Pet Pantries is to keep Bay Water Animal Rescue (formally Dorchester Humane), Caroline and Talbot Humane’s pet food pantries filled. These pet food pantries are used like food pantries. They enable their owners to keep their furry friends at home, especially during difficult economic times. Over the past three years, Pet Pantries has distributed more than 20,000 pounds of food and has helped approximately 1500 pets a year to stay with their owners. For further information or to donate to Pet Pantries, visit petpantries.org.

The 18th Annual Jack Russell Races may not be as fancy as the Royal Ascot or the Preakness, but this casual event held on the grounds of the Inn at Perry Cabin will feature Jack Russell Terriers showing off their athletic and social natures in a series of races.

The course runs the length of the Inn’s front lawn, and — while many of the participants take their races seriously — some just like to play, roll in the grass, and talk to their fellow racers. Race heats are divided by size in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Jack Russells also invite other of their canine friends to compete — there will be a Dachshund Dash and a “So you always wanted to be a Jack Russell” race that is open to all breeds.

Humans do not need to have a dog in the race to enjoy the morning with their friends and neighbors. Donuts, coffee, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys will be available for purchase. There will be a raffle with several prizes for great dining experiences in the area.

All proceeds from the raffle, race registrations, parking, and food sales will be donated to the St. Michaels Community Food Pantry, which serves the Bay Hundred region, and to Pet Pantries, which supports the pet food pantries in Talbot, Dorchester, and Caroline Counties.

Registration begins at 9:30 AM. Registration fee is $20 per dog. Post time for the first race is 11 AM. There is no fee to enjoy the races. There will be trackside play-by-play and analysis for each race; Parking on the Perry Cabin lawn is available for $5 per car; and great memories are complimentary.

Racegoers are invited to bring the family for a fun weekend in St. Michaels, a quaint and historic waterfront town on the Chesapeake Bay that offers plenty of activities for everyone. Find pet-friendly hotels and inns at stmichaelsmd.org. For more information about the races contact Flying Fred’s Pet Boutique at (410) 745-9601 or [email protected].