Our four-legged furry friends were the main protagonists at the gathering that took place two days ago. It was a lovely Sunday, the sun also contributed to the beautiful atmosphere, but these furry ones made the day and the whole weekend even more beautiful. It was a festival for the adoption of dogs (and cats) held in the park of our small town.
There were so many things going around this weekend, from concerts I went to listen to, to my gig, lessons, and rehearsals that I didnt even know this VI Festival for Adoption will be held. Thanks to my son who took a walk that Sunday morning (ok, it was maybe already close to noon) and he informed me that this event is on. I was happy to hear that, as we visited the previous years too these gatherings.
This park is close to our home, so after learning what is going on in there I had it clear: I will be there. I was already putting my shoes on, grabbing the camera and saying goodbye to my boys. A cat person on a dog festival looking for giving some cuddles to these beauties. Actually, I love both dogs and cats, we have always had them. But as I don't have any now, these opportunities can not be missed.
Of course, there were those sweethearts that were very glad to receive some cuddles and gave me back some licking. Oh, also the lens of the camera had a close encounter with one tongue, but I cleared it later. Hopefully without leaving some scratches. And some doggies didn't want to pose for the camera or to let themselves be petted. But they have their personality we have to respect.
This white one was very cute and curious. He approached me actually. That black buttons (eyes and snout) are gorgeous on that white background of his hair.
The small brown with curly hair was sooooooo soft, like a soft toy. I cuddled him but he was jumping and running around and didn't want to pose for a nice shot. Only when his owner talked to him he stopped and listened to her. This photo was born then. Better, impossible with this one :)
Seems that the bigger ones like to behave well and listen to the owners when they ask them to sit. This happened with the following ones, they immediately obeyed when were requested to sit but I couldn't catch them looking at me. They had more important things to observe, other dogs!
And there were indeed many dogs. The associations for animal protection brought their dogs and had a procession. What is the aim of these festivals, you may ask? It is to provide a new home to dogs and cats that live in shelters and foster homes. To help them find a loving family that can care for them. Also to help those associations, that came from several towns to gather funds for food, shelter, medicine, and medical care for the animals. In this photo, we see one of those associations, Somos Gos, that had several greyhounds for adoption. I am not sure from where they have rescued them.
The organizations and associations had their stands where you could buy some products they were selling. Accessories for your pets, for your home, decorative pillows, bags, and cups.
Some were selling knitted scarves, hats, bracelets and earrings. Homemade jam, sweets, honey, decorative objects or key rings. Anything you would buy would go to the fund for the animals.
Stuff for cat lovers could be found too :)) Cats rule everything around me! Anyone who can recognize itself in this phrase?
This stand had interesting things, I liked these pillowcases and rag bags. I'm sure that the intention of these volunteer associations is good. Rescue, take care of the animals and adopt. But they can not handle too many dogs and cats, they always need some help. During the last editions of this festival, there were more than fifty dogs and cats have found new homes. This Sunday, the most emotional moment was the parade of homeless dogs, in which the story of each one of them was told. All those animals hope to find a new family and receive some more love.
Apart from these stands, the Festival orginazed a beauty contest for mongrel dogs. The participation was large, with nearly 40 entries and it was the record until now. The winners got some rewards in form of food for dogs and cats and accessories for them. After the contest, there was a live music event, featuring a new band and a dance studio which gave a small performance.
We should not forget to mention the fact that there are many people who abuse and abandon their pets. All these associations for the protection of those animals are doing a great job, but in the first hand, domestic animals should not be abandoned or abused. When we adopt or buy an animal we should take responsibility for them.
As I mentioned, at the moment I don't have any pets, but maybe it would change one day. I am more than sure I would not reject the option to adopt one of these animals from the shelters, but there is always a risk that the dog or the cat would not adapt to you. Yes, with patience and a lot of love yes, however, there are cases when the dogs were abused and they stay scared for a long time after then, even in the new home. I met one of those families who adopted and they had a long time before the dogs started to trust them. After all, it was a success.
So, what you would do? Would you adopt a pet from a shelter? Would you be ready to give some extra love to those animals that need it? If not, why not? If you like, I would gladly read your opinion in the comment section of this post!