Inaugural Green Dog Fundraiser Set for Aug. 25

The will hold its inaugural celebration and fundraiser to launch its special type of communal animal care and rescue philosophy.

The event will run from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at Dutton Ranch, 3970 Laughlin Road, Windsor. It will feature Dutton Ranch wines and fresh Mex cuisine from Octavio Diaz of

Also featured are live music and a silent auction including special items such as a trip to the Bahamas, a weekend in Tahoe and a dinner for eight prepared by well-known

Tickets are $75. To order, see Brownpapertickets.com/event/260052

Green Dog Rescue Project Executive Director Colleen Combs said the group's efforts are "all about recycling one of our biggest assets: the heartwarming energy and love of animals," she said.

"The current animal shelter system model confines dogs to crates and kennels, like prisoners," Combs added. "They become fearful, aggressive and many are euthanized.

"They aren't prisoners," she said. "They deserve a second chance."

According to Combs, the "open, socialized shelter model will allow animal personalities to blossom in a nature-based alternative that creates a happy animal more suitable for adoption," she added. "This can happen in every city and state in the U.S. and the world."