Running out of wedding gift ideas? Try the animal shelter

Johanna Reynolds and her fiancé Les Elliott are animal lovers.

That fact is evident with a trip to the couple’s home in Browns Summit. Rocco, a very vocal Great Dane, and Dutch, a laid-back boxer affectionately called “Dutchie” by his owners, have a very special place in the couple’s home.

The couple, getting married this fall, are using their upcoming wedding to encourage their friends and family members to share their love of animals.
Listed above Target and Belk on the couple’s wedding registry page at theknot.com is the Rockingham County Animal Shelter. Clicking on the link takes visitors to the shelter’s Web site and allows them to make a donation in the couple’s name.

“I read in a bridal magazine of other couples asking guests to donate to their favorite charities,” Reynolds said. While perusing the shelter’s page one day – the couple is considering adopting a smaller dog, maybe a Boston Terrier – Reynolds got the idea to ask her wedding guests to make donations to the shelter in lieu of gifts.

“We are both animal lovers,” she said.

In a news release, Ginger Waynick of the Rockingham County Animal Shelter Campaign, said Reynolds’ and Elliott’s idea is the latest in a number of innovative efforts to raise money. Brick pavers are selling well, Waynick said, and contributions to the Happy Tails Society are also received regularly in the mail.

A few people have listed the shelter as an alternative to flowers upon the death of a loved one who was an animal lover. Fairway Advertising donated billboard space (the campaign paid a discounted price for printing) in Reidsville, and may donate another in Eden. Also, local businesses have stepped forward to help raise money. The Backstreet Buzz coffee shop is Reidsville donated a percentage of sales on certain dates, and Hayes Carpet did the same.

Patty Scott, vice president of the Animal Protection Society of Rockingham County, said a motorcycle poker run was held one weekend to raise money for the shelter and Chinqua Penn has helped organize an event to benefit the cause. Other businesses have also held fundraising events. As for individuals donating, Scott said a Rockingham County couple gave a donation of $50,000 to the campaign. Also, she said, other local residents have made donations in the form of money, time or food for animals.

Scott said Tuesday was the first she heard of Reynolds and Elliott putting the shelter on their registry, but thinks “it’s amazing” that a couple would be willing to ask their friends and family to give to the shelter.

“Oh, gosh, we’re ecstatic,” she said. “This is really pretty neat.”

Scott said the closest thing to what the couple is doing that she had heard of was when a little girl asked her birthday party guests to bring items for the current shelter.

“People can help out in so many ways,” Scott said.

Reynolds said she and Elliott both have soft spots in their hearts for furry creatures, but Elliott is probably the biggest animal lover.

“He really spoils our doggies rotten,” she said.

Reynolds hopes their effort to raise money will encourage others to give to the shelter.

The couple got engaged on New Year’s Eve at their house after dating for about three years, Reynolds said. They are planning an Oct. 3 wedding at Nags Head.

Will Rocco and Dutch have a part in the wedding?

“No,” Reynolds said with a laugh. “They’ll both be at home with a dog sitter.”