EBS STAFF
On Sunday afternoon, local nonprofit Riley’s Urgent Fund for Friends (RUFF) will host its third annual Mountain Mutt Mania, raising money and awareness for veterinary services in Big Sky.
Founded in 2020, the nonprofit provides financial assistance to people in need whose pets face an emergency. The mission of RUFF is “to better the lives of animals by removing cost prohibitive barriers for medical access,” according to the nonprofit’s website.
Mountain Mutt Mania will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Len Hill Park with live music from Aaron Young, a silent auction, food and drinks, dog games, and tie dye and glitter for kids. The event is free and open to the public, and pets are more than welcome—they’re the main event.
Dr. Stephanie Desmarais, founder of RUFF and Big Sky’s sole veterinarian, shared details in an email to EBS. Nicknamed “Dr. Syd,” she wrote that the funds raised will contribute to RUFF’s goal of $1.2 million to build an animal shelter within the new Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital, with upgraded equipment and housing facilities.
“This will benefit the community by having more space to help care for an increased number of lost, stray or injured animals, for longer periods of time with expanded hours of operation,” Dr. Syd wrote. “The shelter also provides an educational space to enrich the community. And as always, the most important piece is that the funds continue to go to the supplies needed to treat injured animals in need whose owners may not have the financial means for veterinary care.”
