L.A. Pet Festival Brings the Fun
Crowds behaved, and so did the people!
by Lisa Dulyea, Best Friends staffHundreds of adoptable animals from Los Angeles area shelters and rescues gathered in one place on Sunday April, 26th, all with the same dream – to find a loving, forever home. For 380 of them, that dream became a reality.
Best Friends Los Angeles Programs has been hosting bi-annual Pet Adoption Festivals for 11 years. “Things sure have changed,” said Jean Matheson, a long time supporter of Best Friends. “I remember when there were just a few tents and handful of volunteers trying to get shelter animals into homes, and now, this.” Jean was referring to the thousands of attendees, 160 vendors and adoption groups spread out across Westchester Park. “What an amazing opportunity for these homeless animals.”
Acres of fun!G.G. Verone enjoyed the festive atmosphere and looked forward to visiting the vendor booths. “I love learning about the new pet products, especially the breakthroughs in nutrition.” G.G. was also impressed with the level of care the animals receive. “It’s incredible to see a physically disabled animal enjoying life and knowing that they are being given a chance.”
G.G. could have been referring to any number of animals at the festival. Yet one, in particular, touched her heart. He’s a large mixed breed dog, who lost the use of his back legs and relies on a wheeled cart to get around. He zoomed around the park, playing, greeting people and dogs, completely oblivious to his “handicap.” Without the hard work of dedicated rescue groups, this boy wouldn’t have made it out of the shelter, and without festivals like this people may not understand that disabled animals can live happy, healthy lives.
Celebrity trainer Tamar Geller enjoying the eventTamar Geller, author of The Loved Dog and Oprah’s personal dog trainer, celebrity Katie Amanda Keane, KTLA’s Lu Parker and Best Friends’ founder, Francis Battista introduced each shelter dog to the audience as they were walked across the stage. Pit Bulls, Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and every conceivable mix were individually evaluated, on stage, by Tamar as she stressed the importance of adoption. “It’s truly amazing how many sweet, beautiful dogs are in shelters. Please open your hearts and give these guys a home.”
In addition to the vendors, adoption groups and stage festivities,
Dancing with Dogs added a new, fun element to the event. People and their dogs danced on stage in front of celebrity judges and a huge crowd. There was an assortment of dogs dancing with their guardians – no level of skill was needed, just the desire to have a great time. Celebrity judges Sarah Larson, Laura & Preston, Mariana Tosca, Larry Sullivan, Greg Haptor and Phyllis Botti volunteered their time to help make the day a success.
Dogs know how to ‘get down’ at Westchester Park!Pet Adoption Festivals provide an opportunity for all walks of life learn about animal welfare. Jack Weiss, Councilman for District 11 made a guest appearance, urging everyone to adopt an animal. “These events are a terrific opportunity to bring the community together, meet their local representatives, and help us find new families for hundreds of homeless pets. It's a win-win for both the community and the animals, and we're so thrilled to have had such a great turnout,” said
Elizabeth Oreck, Best Friends Los Angeles Programs Manager.
Campaign Specialist for the program Pit Bulls: Saving America's Dog, Ed Fritz, hadn’t been to a Pet Adoption Festival before. “This is amazing,” he said. “Where else could you see Pitties, Chihuahuas, council members, celebrities and kids interacting in a public setting? There’s great music, food and homeless animals getting a shot at a new life. I’m blown away.”
Even with all the success, shelters and rescues are overflowing. “This economy is having a huge impact on animals losing their homes,” said one L.A. Animal Services volunteer. “We are getting more owner turn-ins than ever. It literally comes down to people feeding their kids or feeding their animals. The animals always lose.”
Rachael Ray and Ainsworth Pet Nutrition stepped up to help by donating 3000 lbs. of the pet food line, Rachael Ray Nutrish and hundreds of bags of treats like Isaboo Booscotti. 2000 lbs. went to government shelters. The remaining 1000 lbs. was divided equally among rescue groups. Heartbroken by the thought of animals facing hardships, Rachael Ray created
Rachael’s Rescue, which is dedicated to helping worthy pet charities. 100% of Rachael’s profits from Rachael Ray Nutrish go to dogs in need. The public also contributed to feeding hungry animals. Food donation bins were stuffed with contributions.
April 26th was a great day for many cats, dogs, bunnies and birds who now have families to call their own. The Pet Adoption Festivals have become a model for others across the country to follow. “The best part about these events,” said
Julie Castle, Director of Community Programs and Services for Best Friends, “is the educational aspect. So many people still don’t realize that there are wonderful animals in shelters. This event provides such a great learning tool for the public. It allows for shelter animals, who would otherwise be stuck in a kennel, to be seen by thousands of people. Be cool. Save a life. Adopt a shelter pet.”
Best Friends’ staffers working hard: Elizabeth Oreck, Francis Battista, Lisa Dulyea & Julie CastleBest Friends Los Angeles Pet Adoption Festival was proudly presented by PETCO Foundation and Chrissie’s Fund and sponsored by Dog’s Life Magazine, The American Dog Magazine and Centinela Feed.images courtesy of Roberto Valenzuela Photographyposted by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends staff