Animal enthusiasts in Beijing, don't forget to save the date! A touching charity event is fast approaching. Furry Tales, the animal rescue group established by Ellie Rodewald and Sorcha Moore-Smith, is hosting a special Charity Gala on Saturday, December 6, to celebrate the rescue of over 300 animals in just four years.
The event will be held at the Regent from 7 PM to 10 PM, offering a sophisticated evening that allows attendees to support an organization dedicated to safeguarding the city's four-legged companions.
Tickets for the gala cost RMB 300 and include a buffet with canapés, main courses, and desserts, with vegan and vegetarian selections available upon request during booking. Additional drink packages can be added: a three-hour free flow of bubbles, wine, beer, juice, and cocktails for RMB 238; free-flow mocktails, juice, soda, coffee, and tea for RMB 168; or you can choose the open bar option to pay as you go. Cocktail or formal attire is encouraged, and a professional photographer will be present.
A key attraction of the evening will be a silent auction featuring themed baskets such as “Pet,” “Pampering,” and “Alcohol,” with the grand prize being a month of free dog boarding at Cuddles, valued at RMB 7,000. Other auction items include an RMB 888 voucher from Iberico, a RMB 2,400 keg from Plan B, RMB 11,850 in beauty and wellness vouchers, dog boarding and training, yoga and pilates classes, restaurant vouchers, wine, candles, and much more. All proceeds from the auction will support Furry Tales' rescue initiatives.
Ahead of the gala, we spoke with Furry Tales co-founder Rodewald to learn more about the significance of the organization's accomplishments and how others can get involved.
What does it mean to celebrate four years of Furry Tales? When we started Furry Tales during the Covid pandemic in December 2021, I don’t think my rescue partner and I expected to still be rescuing animals or even living in China. But here we are! This journey has not been straightforward, as running a rescue organization demands significant effort, especially since we also have full-time jobs and other obligations. Nevertheless, seeing our impact within the community and the number of lives we've touched—both animal and human—has made it all worthwhile!
Rescuing over 300 animals is an incredible achievement. What does this milestone signify for you? As I respond to this question, we've rescued 318 animals. Some have crossed the rainbow bridge, some have moved on to new chapters elsewhere, and, regrettably, a few have been returned to us after adoption (though very few!) or have gone missing. Each of these animals has a name and a story; it's impossible to forget them as they have been intertwined with our own journey.
The weight of our achievement doesn't always hit me until I mention it to someone and see their reaction of shock or admiration. Their response is a powerful reminder that we have made a significant difference in animal rescue in Beijing.
I often find myself thinking about the animals we couldn't save or those we couldn't find, which can feel like a personal failure. However, in life, it’s essential to let go of the past to move forward. All we can do is learn from those experiences, reflect, and work to prevent similar situations in the future.
When I feel particularly overwhelmed or burnt out, I close my eyes and imagine standing in a field surrounded by the hundreds of animals we've rescued. This visualization helps me regain perspective on our accomplishments and the reason we continue our work. The animals motivate us; while they can't express their gratitude, I know they appreciate the love, safety, and security they receive.
For those interested in supporting Furry Tales, how can they get involved? There are numerous ways to contribute that don’t necessarily involve rescuing or adopting an animal directly. Not everyone has the capacity to do so, and we recognize this. We emphasize the many different ways to help. You could foster one of our animals while we search for a permanent home, volunteer at adoption events selling merchandise or caring for dogs without fosters, or share our posters to reach potential adopters.
You can also assist with designing new merchandise or help organize city events (such as reaching out to business owners who might host an adoption event, quiz night, or fundraiser). And, of course, if time is short, donations are always appreciated to sustain our work.
I encourage people to discuss with their friends or family the importance of adopting rather than purchasing pets. Remind them of the ethical implications, educate them about the issues surrounding breeding, and encourage them to give an animal a second chance.
Additionally, if you work in education, I recommend encouraging students to engage with the movement—depending on their age, they could hold fundraisers for an animal rescue or shelter, raise awareness about “Adopt, Don't Shop” among
Come together with Furry Tales to commemorate the rescue of more than 300 animals in just four years.
