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At most festive fundraisers, the family dog isn’t included in the party invite. At Unleashed — Dinner With Your Dog, Scruffy is the reason everyone shows up.
John Fletcher
On Saturday, Feb. 28, Nashville Humane Association will once again transform the Hilton Nashville Downtown into a howling-good charity night, welcoming guests — and their four-legged plus-ones — for an evening of food, fashion, fundraising, and fur. Now in its 17th year, Unleashed returns with a Barks & Bonfires theme that blends cozy, backyard-inspired charm with the elevated energy that has made it one of Nashville’s most beloved charity events.
“It’s lighthearted, it’s fun, it’s celebrating time with your animal — but behind the scenes, it’s doing real, urgent lifesaving work,” says Laura Baker, executive director of Nashville Humane Association.
Tickets start at $150 and proceeds benefit Nashville Humane’s adoption, medical, education, and community support programs serving pets and pet owners across Middle Tennessee. (nashvillehumane.org)
Nashville Lifestyles: What makes the 2026 Unleashed — with its Barks & Bonfires theme — feel special or new compared to past years?
Laura Baker: This year feels like Unleashed wrapped in a cozy Nashville hug. Barks & Bonfires lets us lean into warmth, playfulness, and that fall magic everyone loves. It’s been really fun to create something that still feels elevated, but also incredibly inviting. It’s the kind of night where you can dress up, laugh, support rescue animals — and still feel like you’re at the best backyard gathering in town.
NL: After 17 years of hosting this event, what still brings you joy when the night arrives?
LB: There’s always a moment — usually when the very first dog steps onto the runway — when the whole room just softens. It doesn’t matter how many planning meetings we’ve had; that moment always gets me. Seeing animals who came from tough beginnings on stage is the kind of joy you never get used to.
NL: What can guests expect from the cocktail hour, dinner, and runway show this year?LB: Cocktail hour will have that easy, glamping-style energy — great music, warm lighting, and mingling. Dinner is seasonal and creative, with elevated campfire flavors (without any smoke in your hair). And then there’s the runway. Local celebrities, adoptable animals, lots of laughter, and a few gasp-worthy surprises.
NL: How does Unleashed support Nashville Humane’s work year-round?
LB: Unleashed is our powerhouse event. The funds raised go straight into medical care for animals who need critical treatment, behavior support, humane education, and community programs that help keep pets with their families. It keeps our adoption center running, our outreach team on the road, and our doors open to pets from all across Middle Tennessee.
NL: For people who know NHA mostly as a shelter, what do you wish more Nashvillians understood about your mission?
LB: I wish more people knew how much of our work happens outside the shelter walls. We’re in neighborhoods every day helping pet owners access affordable veterinary care, providing supplies during hard times, and keeping families and pets together. Rescue isn’t just about finding homes — it’s also about preventing crises and protecting the bond people already have with their animals.
NL: As NHA approaches its 80th anniversary, how are you honoring the organization’s history while looking ahead?
LB: Eighty years is a big deal, especially in animal welfare. We’re honoring our history by sharing stories from the volunteers, adopters, donors, and staff who built this organization. At the same time, we’re focused on modern solutions — community-centered programming, access to care, and stronger partnerships. Our legacy is our foundation, not our finish line.