Although no “woofs” or “meows” were heard Saturday night at the Old Armory, stray animals across the Dallas County benefitted from the annual Paws Ball.

The ball, which benefits the Central Alabama Animal Shelter, is held every year to raise money for the shelter.

Sarah Youngblood, president of the CAAS board, said its fundraisers like the Paws Ball that keep the shelter going.

“Our goal is to keep the animals happy and healthy and ultimately save them,” Youngblood said. “Last year we doubled our money with $18,000 raised so we’re hoping to meet that goal again this year.”

Along with dinner, residents were able to participate in a live and silent auction — all benefiting the animal shelter.

Custom pet portraits, photo sessions, handmade towels, fishing and hunting trips, hand-painted plates and Auburn and Alabama fan paraphernalia were just a few of the items that were included in the auctions.

“It makes a huge difference in terms of saving the animals,” Youngblood said of the proceeds.

Recently, Youngblood said the animal shelter has begun adopting pets out to northern states, which she said has made a huge difference in the total amount of pet adoptions.

“Before we would have between five and eight adoptions a month,” Youngblood said. “After we started adopting pets out to places north of Alabama, we are averaging anywhere from 20 to 40 adoptions — that’s a huge difference.”

And although more animals are adopted every month, Youngblood said more adoptions are still needed to save more animals.

“It’s so important to support the animal shelter because it’s everybody in the community’s problem,” said Julie Lyons, who helped organize the event. Lyons said she hopes those who attend the Paws Ball get the message that having stray animals in Selma is a problem that needs to be addressed, and if everybody does their part, more animals can be saved.

“We’ve had such a great crowd tonight, the [amount ogf people] people coming in has just been overwhelming,” said Angie Maroney who helped host the event. “Everybody is having a wonderful time, and it’s great that they’re supporting the Central Alabama Animal Shelter.”