Challenges are all fun and games until someone gets hurt, or in this case, gets a tattoo.

The Animal Shelter Society is partnering with Downtown Tattoo for a fundraiser, and the first person in line for a tattoo is the shelter’s Assistant Director, Russell Denny.

Denny had thought about getting a tattoo before but once he was challenged by Executive Director Jody Murray, all bets were on.

“Travis Kilpatrick, which is the owner (of Downtown Tattoo), he asked us, asked me if I was going to get one and I said, ‘I’m not so sure about that,’” Murray said. “So, Russ said that he was thinking about getting one, and he was going to post it on Facebook and I said, ‘If you post it on Facebook and get 100 shares, I’ll pay for your tattoo.’ He got 100 shares in about 20 minutes, so my money was already spent.”

With 344 post shares later, Denny’s thoughts on getting a tattoo were decided whether he was ready or not.

“Clearly, I underestimated the power of Facebook,” Denny said.

Murray nor Denny currently have tattoos and Murray is happy to put his money toward Denny’s body art while staying inkless himself.

“I think I was set up for that one,” Murray said. “I don’t think I had a fair chance of not spending my 100 bucks. But, it’s 100 bucks well spent. I’m spending the money, he’s getting the tattoo, the shelter gets the money, so everybody wins.”

The friendly challenge is all in good fun as it garners attention and participation in the upcoming tattoo event.

Downtown Tattoo is hosting the fundraising event for the shelter on Saturday, Sept. 29, and 100 percent of tattoo costs acquired throughout the day will be donated to the Animal Shelter Society.

“We’re always looking at ways to try and help people and to help all kinds of causes and stuff, and the animal shelter always appreciates donations and everything,” Travis Kilpatrick, the Owner of Downtown Tattoo, said.

The idea for a tattoo fundraiser came from the Coshocton County Humane Society who partnered with a local shop in its county to hold a similar event. The humane society raised about $3,000 during the event.

Murray said he’s not quite sure what to expect out of the event, but the anticipation for the event turn out is big.

“Travis thinks they’re going to blow that number out of the water. … We’re thrilled with every dollar that comes in, but 3,000 in for an event that a business in the community steps up and says we’re going to do this for you and all we have to do is promote it a little bit is wonderful,” Murray said.

The animal shelter and its 17 employees are thankful for all of the donations they receive, big or small, but it’s always special to have a community partner host an event of this size.

During past events, Kilpatrick said he and his staff have done 100 tattoos. He’s hoping that since it’s for the animals, he’ll see the same turnout for this fundraiser as well.

“I love animals. I think that’s one of the few things people can agree on these days is, you know, everybody loves animals,” Kilpatrick said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to help people and find common ground.”

The entire day, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., will be first come, first served. Kilpatrick said there will likely be deals on animal related tattoos, but all tattoo ideas are welcomed. Keep an eye on Downtown Tattoo’s Facebook Page for pre-stenciled animal tattoos in honor of the upcoming event.

Denny will be the first customer in line for the event. He’s not quite sure what he wants the final product to look like, but he said with certainty that is will be animal related.

Downtown Tattoo is located within Colony Square Mall.