Sure, it sounds like the carnage from an X-rated horror flick, but it’s actually the Tails and Ales Dog Wash and the start of a brand-new partnership between the American Red Cross and DoveLewis emergency animal hospital.

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, May 17, 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Where: Lucky Lab Beer Hall, 1945 NW Quimby
What: Dog wash & live music to benefit DoveLewis, blood donation to benefit the Red Cross & the DoveLewis Animal Blood Bank.

The new twist on this second-annual event is that the Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on site so that people (as well as pooches!) can help save lives.

If you’re interested, call 503.528.5608 and make an appointment to donate blood from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. Eligible dogs can make a blood-typing appointment from 11:00AM to 5:00PM.

I’m a major dog lover and I’ve always admired DoveLewis, so much so that when I arrived at the Red Cross, one of my first brainstorms was how we might partner with them (and the Oregon Humane Society) on things like pet first aid classes. I got in touch with my friend Tiffini Mueller, we then connected the people who could REALLY set things in motion and — VOILA! — we get to participate in an event like Tails and Ales.

Come on May 17 — it’s going to be the start of a beautiful friendship.

(photo courtesy of DoveLewis)