Donate to DAWG in memory of Bay City Rollers guitarist Ian Mitchell

The widow of former Bay City Rollers guitarist Ian Mitchell who passed away from cancer is asking that fans support the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center in his memory. 

The center is where Ian and his wife Wendy adopted their two dogs from about seven years ago. The dogs, named Rod-Stewart and Tam-Paton, were two of the center’s harder-to-place dogs, so the staff was elated they went home with a lovely couple.

Ian joined the Bay City Rollers in 1976 at the age of 17, replacing founding member and bassist Alan Longmuir. While he was with the Rollers, the band released the 1976 album Dedication and a cover version of Dusty Springfield's “I Only Want to Be With You.” The group also had the big hit song “Saturday Night.” 

Since the couple was so passionate about the shelter and the dogs who became a wonderful part of their family, Wendy is asking in lieu of flowers for fans to support the center. A special fund for rescue animals has been set up through Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), the shelter’s nonprofit organization.  To donate, visit www.dawg.org and click on the “donate now” button and be sure to mention in the comments the donation is in honor of Ian Mitchell. 

"We are so touched by the friends, fans and family of Ian Mitchell ... What an amazing legacy for all the animals we help and will now be able to help in the future thanks to this kind act," said Animal Services Manager Michelle Claud-Clemente. "My friends and I roller skated to 'Saturday Night,' and those great memories are made more meaningful knowing that Ian Mitchell was such a caring animal lover! We send our sincere gratitude and condolences to everyone who loved Ian, and we promise to express our appreciation for a life well lived through our work to improve the lives and well-being of animals."