Spokane Humane Society presents two nights of Flicks for Fido

It has been at least four months since many of us have seen a movie on the big screen, but the Spokane Humane Society is offering an opportunity to watch a fun film while raising money for a good cause. Even better, you can bring your best furry friend.

On Saturday and Sunday, the oldest animal shelter in Spokane will present Flicks for Fido, a drive-in movie experience.

Spokane Human Society will be screening “The Secret Life of Pets” on Saturday and the “The Secret Life of Pets 2” on Sunday. Gates open at 8 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk, and it will be first-come, first-served for parking selection.

For a $40 donation, you can reserve a spot on the Spokane Humane Society website. An extra $10 gets a spot in the “PURRmier” section.

“Typically, we’d be having our beloved Parade of Paws,” said Ed Boks, Spokane Humane Society executive director. “But COVID forced us to rethink that. People want to get out of the house, and we have a spot on our 40 acres that’s a perfect amphitheater surrounded by beautiful rolling hills.”

The family-friendly films will be shown on a 40-foot movie screen. Prepackaged popcorn in souvenir Flicks for Fido popcorn bins and other refreshments and candy will be available for a donation.

Boks is hoping for a big turnout.

“The Parade of Paws is one of our two main fundraisers,” he said. “The other is the Fur Ball in November, but we’re rethinking that, too. We’re learning to improvise and adapt.”

Plans are in the works for a modified Parade of Paws in October on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Adaptation is critical because these fundraisers enable the nonprofit to care for thousands of animals while they wait for their forever homes.

Boks also encourages animal lovers to consider Spokane Humane Society when drafting their wills.

“We’ve been here 123 years. Leaving a compassionate legacy, and being future-minded, means we can be here 250 years or more,” he said.

With many people laid off or working from home, interest in pet adoption has increased. Spokane Human Society has facilitated 145 adoptions since reopening July 15. The shelter is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week and has nine dogs and 26 cats waiting for their forever homes for now.

“We believe there’s a perfect home for every animal,” Boks said. “Many studies have been done on the mental health aspects of being a pet owner, especially for senior citizens. But we don’t want to see folks adopt just for the pandemic; this is a lifetime commitment.”

Boks is looking forward to Flicks for Fido this weekend. Pets are welcome as long as they are courteous guests and leashed when out of the car. “We’re excited about the movies we’re showing,” Boks said. “We have wonderful ambience on beautiful summer evenings.”