Five days.
That’s all Piper had been home before everything changed.
The mini dachshund had recently been surrendered by a breeder and was just beginning to experience life outside of a breeding environment. Then, without warning, she lost the use of her back legs.
There had been no fall, no accident, and no obvious injury. One day she was coming in to her new home, walking. Five days later, she wasn’t.
After numerous visits to veterinarians and a veterinary neurologist, the diagnosis was heartbreaking. Piper was suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a spinal condition common but in this case, believed to have been caused by being bred far more times than any dog ever should have been. Coupled with going years prior to her new home without routine veterinary care and was battling several untreated health issues, including severe ear mite infestations that had led to painful infections and threatened her hearing.
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“When people hear the word ‘rescue,’ they often picture a dog coming from a shelter,” says Meraki Hair & Extensions co-owner Carrie Wilson. “Piper’s story reminds us that rescue comes in many forms.”
With the help of compassionate veterinary professionals, including the team at Indy Animal Surgery in Zionsville, Piper received the care she desperately needed. Today, she has made a remarkable recovery. She has full use of her legs again and spends her days exactly as every dog should—happy, loved, and usually curled up on the couch.
Piper’s journey became a powerful reminder that rescue doesn’t end the day an animal leaves a difficult situation. In many cases, that’s when the real work begins.
That realization helped inspire Hair of the Dog.
Created by the team at Meraki Hair & Extensions in 2025, Hair of the Dog began with one simple goal: to give back to the animal rescue community that gives so much to homeless, neglected, and vulnerable pets.
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Collectively, the salon team shares their homes with more than 20 dogs and six cats. Their love for animals extends far beyond the salon walls, and in 2025 they transformed that passion into a community fundraiser benefiting local rescue organizations.
The inaugural event raised more than $2,000 for Far Fetched Pet Rescue.
This year, the team has set an even bigger goal.
Hair of the Dog 2026, benefiting Leann’s Animal Rescue, aims to more than double last year’s fundraising total while creating an unforgettable community experience that celebrates pets, educates owners, and shines a light on the organizations working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Leann’s Animal Rescue has become a trusted name throughout Central Indiana, providing rescue services, foster care, affordable spay and neuter assistance, and carefully matching animals with loving forever families. Every dollar raised during Hair of the Dog helps organizations like theirs continue this lifesaving work.
But fundraising is only part of the mission.
The event was intentionally designed to introduce pet owners to resources they may not know exist. Visitors can meet professionals specializing in pet insurance, veterinary care, grooming, training, pet communication, waste removal services, and other businesses dedicated to improving the lives of companion animals.
“Our hope is that every person who attends leaves a little more educated and inspired than when they arrived,” Wilson says. “Rescue is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also expensive, emotional, and often self-funded. We want people to understand why supporting local rescues matters.”
Hair of the Dog also promises a full day of entertainment for the entire community. Guests can browse nearly 40 local vendors, enjoy live music, sample food and drinks, enter raffles and giveaways, shop from artisans and small businesses, and experience family-friendly attractions including face painters, caricature artists, and permanent jewelry vendors.
Animal lovers can cheer on participants in the Pet Parade and Costume Contest, while Silly Safaris will introduce audiences to fascinating wildlife through an interactive educational presentation.
Bringing the event to life has required months of planning from five event coordinators and approximately 25 volunteers. Behind every booth, raffle basket, sponsorship, and activity are countless hours of work driven by one shared purpose: giving local animals a better future.
“There have definitely been tears throughout the process,” Wilson says. “Tears of joy, tears from the hard work, and tears that come from seeing how much compassion exists within our community.”
For the organizers, success won’t simply be measured by attendance or dollars raised.
It will be measured by the conversations that continue long after the event ends—families who choose adoption, pet owners who learn something new, volunteers who discover a rescue organization to support, or someone who simply leaves with a greater appreciation for the work happening every day to save animals in our own community.
The vision is for Hair of the Dog to become more than an annual fundraiser. The hope is that it becomes a Central Indiana tradition—a day families eagerly anticipate each fall because they know they’ll leave with full hearts, new knowledge, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for animals in need.
Hair of the Dog 2026 will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at German Park in Indianapolis. Admission is free, contributions are encouraged, and every contribution helps local rescue organizations continue giving animals like Piper the second chances they deserve.
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