In honor of National Dog Day, local businesses Louisiana Specialty Gifts and Appli-Ks sponsored the 1st Annual Pet Palooza, a dog-centered charity event that took place on Saturday, August 26th, in the heart of the Red River District. The event benefitted the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana (HSNWLA), hoping to raise funds and awareness for their animal welfare activities. The event offered a costume contest, a talent show, and even a pet-owner look alike contest, with the winners taking home tickets to the upcoming Bark in the Park Dog Day at Splash Kingdom Waterpark on September 17th as well as other goodies. For the kids there was a bounce house, face painter, and a balloon artist.
Pet Palooza Costume Contest Winner, Dacry
In attendance were local vendors, pet-related services, and animal rescue organizations, which all came together to celebrate and network. There were more than 20 vendors along with the hosts and HSNWLA, vendors included: Splash Kingdom (contest prize donor), Shreveport Aquarium (grand prize donor), Robinson’s Rescue, Pierce Housecall Veterinary Service, Don’t Mess With My Tutu, Line Avenue Pharmacy, Camp Cypress, De’ Nic Pet Collection, J’s Coffee Tea & More, Rockers Rescue, Nova’s Heart, Origami Owl Mary Ann, Kim & Amy LuLaRoe, Macaroni Kids/Mom on the Go, Dottie’s Delight, Daylight Fading Photography, Lucy’s BARKery, Camp Bow Wow, SBC Dog Rescue and Stephanie’s Pet Sitting.
Contest Winners 2017
The Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana is a 501-c3 nonprofit that operates a no-kill shelter located at 2544 Linwood Ave and has been saving animals in the Shreveport area for 20 years now. The Humane Society operates solely on donations and relies on volunteers to manage the shelter.
Jamie Cloud, a Humane Society volunteer who was in attendance at Pet Palooza, is hoping that increased awareness will lead to changes. “The biggest issue we are facing is people not spaying or neutering their dogs,” Cloud said, “A thousand dogs had to be euthanized at Caddo [animal shelter] due to unplanned litters.”
The Humane Society isn’t alone in its mission, Megan DeMoss, Executive Director of Rockers Rescue, another foster-based animal rescue organization, shared similar frustrations, “People need to realize there are ways for low income families to have their pets altered for free. The prices at Robison’s Rescue, even for a higher income family, are very cheap. There are no excuses, the overall mentality of our community needs to change.”
Humane Society table at Pet Palooza shreveport Louisiana
If you would like to donate or volunteer, you can contact the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana by visiting their website or by call 318-219-7387.
