QUINCY, MA – As the sound of laughter, witty banter and the words “another round!” enveloped the room at the Adam Heights Mens’ Club, dog lovers united for a low-key comedy show to provide housing, medical treatment and food for dogs all over New England.
With the help of comedians Mark Riley, Will Noonan and Jimmy Cash, the interactive comedic experience couldn’t have been more Boston if it tried as the audience reared back remarks that kept the crowd rolling.
Yet at its heart, the event had a deeper meaning. “Tonight we’re not just sharing jokes and extending a helping hand to our four-legged friends who need our love and support,” explains All Dogs Lives Matter Founder Edward Scott Gilhouse. “Every chuckle, every giggle, every belly laugh tonight contributes to providing shelter, care, and a hope for dogs to find their forever home.”
It’s a mission Gilhouse has taken seriously since his own beloved pet fell sick many years ago. Taking every dollar he had to save his dog’s life, Gilhouse found himself soon on a mission to help others who may not be able to afford the rising costs of dog food, vet bills, or find themselves in sudden need of animal re-homing. “There’s other people out here now that have already paid for their surgeries, but their credit cards are maxed out and that’s why they’re arguing is because they’re paying at 29% because that minimum payment is out there, so other things aren’t getting paid or getting done. It’s a whole stress situation that goes on there so if we can alleviate that stress by doing a meat raffle or a comedy night like we’re gonna be doing here to help offset that cost for you to make your life-your family’s life better-well that’s rewarding in itself I think.”
To support this mission, Gilhouse has aligned himself with veterinary care experts like Chris Alling. “We often offer discounts for rescue organizations that are looking to provide care for our animals, so we try to make it as easy as possible for these organizations to help as many animals as they can.”
As the evening came to a close, the last few dollars for dogs rolled in raffling off a custom jacket, Bruins tickets and 50/50. “With each smile, we’re making tails wag and hearts beat a little brighter.”
To learn more about the All Dogs Lives’ Matter Foundation or purchase tickets, visit their websites.
To see more stories like this or if you have an event you’d like to pitch to Emmalyn to cover, email emmalyn@emmalynreid.com.
Emmalyn Reid 