Barktoberfest was a win-win event for dozens of pets and their new owners. Fifty-three dogs and cats found new homes, and humans found new best friends at the county’s largest adoption event Oct. 6 at Stuart Park in Lake Placid. Other pets were also adopted.
Every fall, Pawsitive Effects hosts an event. Pawsitive Effects is a nonprofit organization founded by Steve and Gini Shevic to support local animal shelters and rescues. This year, nine rescue organizations brought in nearly 100 foster animals, the most ever at Barktoberfest.
“Given the economic downturn, we are so grateful and blessed to see so many animals go to loving homes,” Gini said.
Gini said adoptions started as soon as the event started, creating a “torpedo of adoptions.” “We had three adoptions because we close at 3 p.m.”
Rescuers include Sanders Second Chance, HART, Barking Out Loud, Sebring Angels Rescue, Highland County Humane Society, Heartland Cat Rescue, Heartland Pet Rescue, and Little Critters Wildlife. – Includes rehabilitation center. Animal protection brought in several dogs, including those participating in the Heal Together program, where dogs are trained by trusted inmates.
Many people took advantage of half-price microchipping services provided by Highland County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services. Normally, a microchip implant costs $10, but on Saturday it was just $5. 76 dogs and cats were microchipped.
“This will mean 76 more animals will be reunited with their owners sooner after being separated,” Gini said.
Celene Chillemi and Sierra Sprague visited the HART tent.
“I wish I had that,” Chiremi said. “I wish I could have it all.”
Puppers & Hairballs groomers Mary Haley and Becky Cook trimmed the nails of dogs and cats and donated them to rescue efforts. Puppers & Hairballs is also sponsoring the Halloween contest. Dogs of various sizes and shapes dressed up as witches, Wednesday Addams, Wonder Woman, and more.
Every year, at least one brave cat owner dresses up their cat, and Saturday was no exception. Ana Hernandez showed off her cat, Billy, dressed as a green dragon, after the school’s mascot. Yes, Billy looked proud of his sequined costume and was attached to a leash.
“We take him everywhere,” Ana’s mother said. “We found him abandoned at a young age. Now he’s like a service cat.”
Kristin Schwartz, co-owner of Pappers & Hairballs, said she and partner Dennis Gingrich started helping with events before they opened their first store in Sebring.
“I was very impressed with what Steve and Gini did,” Schwartz said. “If it is God’s will, we will not miss anything.”
Deacon Allen Rigill of First Presbyterian Church of Lake Placid volunteers to bless animals large and small. Another highlight was watching Scott Gordon demonstrate obedience training with his adopted Belgian Maranoa Barrett. A lot of effort and dedication clearly went into Barrett’s training.
The vendors had just about everything a pet and their owner could want. Barktoberfest patrons were provided with homemade collars and leashes for obedience classes. A basket full of products and goodies was drawn. The winner of the 50/50 drawing donated a significant amount of money to Pawsitive Effects.
