Tats support tails

Tattoo shop owner Brandon Love is no stranger to supporting local causes. So it was no sweat when Ashley Mason, volunteer coordinator for the Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County, asked Love to host a fundraiser at his shop, Embassy Ink and Gallery, located at 1016 Tiffin Ave., Suite J. In a partnership with the humane society, Embassy Ink will host the second Tails and Tats fundraiser beginning at noon Saturday. Multiple drawings have been created for the occasion, and clients are encouraged to choose a design from the flash sheets produced by the Embassy Ink tattoo artists. All animal tattoos on the flash sheets are priced at $60, and all proceeds will go directly to the humane society. Tails and Tats made its first appearance in 2019, attracting over 100 people to get inked with sentimental animal tattoos. Love, who has a passion for giving back to the community and is an avid animal lover, said that at the 2019 event, he and his fellow tattoo artists worked 14½ hours and raised about $5,800. "I remember showing up ... and just (seeing) the line outside the doors. My heart dropped. I was like, 'Oh my goodness, this is going to be great!'" Mason recalled. According to Love, Embassy Art and Gallery has previously partnered with other charity services, and the staff finds joy in donating to causes that benefit local organizations. "We donate to pretty much anything: a cancer benefit, bike runs, anything when it comes to kids. Scholastic fundraisers, boosters, baseball teams, football teams and yearbooks," said Love. Money raised from Tails and Tats will be used to purchase medical supplies, including vaccinations, for the animals at the shelter. She said there are many animals that arrive at the humane society lacking the vaccines needed to keep them healthy. Those wishing to support the cause but who do not want to be tattooed are welcome to drop off donations during the event. Merchandise such as T-shirts and bracelets will also be for sale Saturday, Love said. Tails and Tats will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with 30-minute appointments. For more information, email Mason at ashley@hancockhumanesociety.com, or message Embassy Ink or the humane society through their Facebook pages. Douglas: 419-427-8505