Adopt-A-Dog Hosts 24th Annual "Puttin' On The Dog" Event

After days of relentless rain, Mother Nature turned off the taps just in time for Adopt-A-Dog’s 24th annual “Puttin’ On The Dog” event. Thousands of four-legged and two-legged creatures filled Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and many connections were made between adoptive families and eager dogs.

WABC-TV meteorologist Bill Evans emceed the event and local officials including First Selectman Peter Tesei, and State Representatives Livvy Floren and Fred Camillo were on hand as presenters.

Thanks to the volunteer handlers who worked tirelessly throughout the day, each adoptable dog had a chance to strut his or her stuff down a make-shift runway as well as circulate throughout the crowds.

There were also numerous contests, though it was unnecessary to win in order to have fun in categories that included, “Biggest Lap Dog,” “Best Tail Wagger,” and “Pooch Who Can Smooch.”

Twelve-year-old twins Paige and Ella Cooper whose dog, Wilson, won first place in the “Puppy Love” contest were proud of the little black dog they found online. “We looked for a year until we found Wilson in North Carolina,” said Ella. “In the South, hundreds of dogs die because there’s too much population and dogs aren’t taken care of,” explained Paige.

In addition to contests and demonstrations, like-minded organizations such as Bully Breed Rescue, Greyhound Rescue, Ruff Start Rescue, Cat Assistance, Stamford Animal Care and Control, and New Rochelle Humane Society did their best to match animals to homes, recruit volunteers and accept donations.

At The Good Dog Foundation tent, trainer Heather Trocola evaluated dogs for potential as visiting therapy dogs. “It’s a wonderful way to bond with your dog and help people,” said Greenwich resident and Good Dog volunteer Dale Atkins, who visits Hamilton Avenue School, New Lebanon School and The Nathaniel Witherell nursing home with her dog, Samson.

At the end of the day, Adopt-A-Dog kennel manager Kristen Alouisa had a message for Patch readers. “If you didn’t get a chance to come to the show, give us a call. We have wonderful dogs, including some long-term dogs. They’re all very deserving.”

Adopt-A-Dog’s two-acre sanctuary is located at 23 Cox Ave., in Armonk. The phone number is (914) 273-1674. General questions can be sent by email to info@adoptadog.org

Adoption hours are 11 AM to 3:30 PM daily, by appointment. More information is available on the website: http://www.adopt-a-dog.org/