There’s an entry on About.com ruminating on why people don’t give more to charitable causes. It references research by ethicist Peter Singer finding that “we are moved far more by the plight of a single, identifiable person than by that of several people, or a general statement of need.”

That goes for animals, too, which is probably why each year for the past decade the Animal Foundation has put a face on the thousands of local shelter dogs in need of loving homes. The annual Best in Show fundraiser features 50 pets in an American Kennel Club-style competition where the real prize is finding a family. The dogs will all be up for adoption at the April 27 event, with audience members bidding on the pups to raise as much money as possible to support the Animal Foundation’s operation of the Lied Animal Shelter—from low-cost spay and neuter services to humane education.

Coinciding with Best in Show is a different sort of animal welfare event—a protest by No Kill Las Vegas to draw attention to the no-kill movement (which Weekly will discuss in an upcoming story) and Animal Foundation’s euthanasia of thousands of animals every year. Rally to Rescue Our Shelter will take place outside the Orleans on April 27 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ultimately, if either event motivates you to change the lives of lost, unwanted or abandoned animals by adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating, then we’ll call them a success.

Best In Show April 27, noon vendor fair and live entertainment; 1 p.m. show, $5-$12. Orleans Arena, 284-7777. More at animalfoundation.com/best-in-show.