FAIRHOPE, Ala. — When Sonny Brewer’s wife, Diana, told him to get rid of some of the things they had accumulated in a storage room, he had no idea he would be helping dogs and cats by doing so. Brewer loaded up his truck on a recent Saturday and took several pieces of vintage furniture to Pat Norton Interiors and Consignment Shop, simply hoping to make a few bucks for his trouble.

Instead, one of those items, a small antique desk, caught the attention of Norton, and the story behind it gave her an interesting idea.

“He told me about the desk, and told me to get what I could for it,” Norton said. “When he told me about it, I asked Sonny what was his favorite charity. I then asked him what he thought about auctioning it and giving the proceeds to the Haven.”

Brewer liked the notion of supporting a group so dear to him. The nonprofit agency, one of Baldwin County’s only no-kill animal shelters, supports animal spaying and neutering, and also places into good homes previously abandoned, unwanted and neglected pets.

The author, book editor and entrepreneur originally purchased the desk many years ago at an antique store in Vernon, a small town in Lamar County, Ala. Brewer said, “It sat at Over the Transom Bookstore as long as I was there. When I sold Over the Transom to Martin Lanaux, it was there.”

The early American oak desk is showing some signs of wear, but that’s understandable since it was itself a literary hot spot for so many years.

“It was a greeter,” Brewer said of the desk, which sat near the bookstore’s front entrance. “It did double duty as a signing desk.”

Many noted Southern authors considered Over the Transom a mandatory stop on their book tours, and more often than not they would sit at the slant-top desk and inscribe volumes for the bibliophiles who gathered to meet them.

Brewer said, “We had Brad Watson, Tom Franklin, and some of the local favorites.” Others who visited included Steve Yarbrough, William Gay and Rick Bragg.

“There is no telling what shady or illustrious authors might have sat their elbows on that desk,” Brewer said with a laugh. “I decided to give the money to the Haven for the doggies since I’ve got this doggie I like a great deal,” The friendly golden retriever who long ago captured Brewer’s heart is the subject of his book “Cormac: The Tale of a Dog Gone Missing,” published by MacAdam/Cage in September 2007.

He added, “If someone gives $300 for the thing, we’ll give the $300 to the Haven.” Norton noted it will likely sell for much more, however.

Brewer hopes that's the case. He said, “It’s a good thing that the Haven is rescuing some dogs that might be put down, and they need money to do that.”

Dr. Teresa Marshall D.V.M., owner of the Downtown Animal Clinic and founder of the rescue group, said she is very happy Brewer and Norton consider the Haven a worthwhile cause.

“They’re both great people, and Sonny’s a generous individual,” she said. “I’m thrilled the Haven is one of his favorite charities. We’re extremely appreciative. Like other charities, we rely on the generosity of people.”

She said individual gifts make up a large part of the Haven’s budget, and pointed out that even small donations can add up and make a big difference.

“Lots of dogs and cats need help in these tough times,” Marshall said.

Norton said she believes someone would love to take home the storied desk while helping the Haven at the same time.

She noted she moved away from Fairhope some 20 years ago before returning seven years ago, and knows most Baldwin County residents have a deep appreciation for their history.

“People were closer back then, and this is a piece of history,” Norton said. The deadline for bids on the desk is May 1, and she urged those interested not to wait until the last minute to take part.

Bids may be made, and the desk can be seen, at Pat Norton Interiors and Consignment Furniture Shop, 456-B N. Section St. in Fairhope.

For more information about the silent auction, call (251) 928-7338. To learn more about the Haven, call 929-7980, or visit www.havenforanimals.org.