Dog Adoption Event Struts into Killingworth This Weekend

American wildlife photographer Roger Caras is reported to have said "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

If you are looking to make your life whole visit the Dog Days Adoption Event coming to the Parmelee Farm in Killingworth this coming weekend, where more than 80 dogs and puppies will be showcased in the hopes of going home with a loving family.

"There is an owner out there for every dog," says Lorin Liesenfelt, founder of Dog Days. "There are many reasons why a dog ends up in a shelter but there is only one reason why they don't get out - because they don't have any one to adopt them.

"Our purpose is to organize events to match dogs with owners," she adds. "We're the middle man trying to connect shelters with the public in a way that's meaningful. We want to help a rescue place as many dogs as possible," Liesenfelt says.

Dogs and puppies of all breeds and sizes from shelters and rescues will be available for adoption on Aug. 27 and 28 thanks to the efforts of a team of local volunteers and the Essex-based Dog Days Adopt a Shelter Pet organization. Dogs of all ages and breeds will be available for adoption between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. The event will begin Sat. Aug. 27 with a blessing of the animals at 10:30 a.m.

The Dog Days organization has held successful adoption events in other towns across Connecticut including most recently in Ledyard. Events have also been held in Guilford and Essex. The more than 80 dogs and puppies that will be showcased at the Parmelee Farm event are just a small portion of the more than 500 dogs available for adoption in Connecticut alone.

Recently volunteers in Killingworth held a successful Bid, Barter, Bake event raising $2,000 to cover the costs associated with hosting the upcoming Dog Days Adoption Event, which is a not-for-profit event.

"I think it is a wonderful event, wonderful idea, how could it not be.  Someone is stepping forward and taking a stand against what is happening and helping place all of these dogs," said Ledyard resident Lisa A. Royea, who volunteered at the Dog Days Adoption event in her town.

"I was pestering everyone in my family, and my friends to adopt a dog, making calls, posting all over my Facebook page previous to the event," Royea says. "My favorite part was going online after the event and seeing some of the posts from the new owners with details on how the dog was doing and pictures of the dog with their new family.  That was the most rewarding moment."

For the Parmelee Farm this is the first major event to be hosted on the still-developing site.

"Everybody is very enthusiastic about making this a success for everyone," says Tim Gannon, chair of the Parmelee Farm Steering Committee. "This will be a challenge for us because not everything is going to be one hundred percent in place but we're working together to make it happen."

All dogs have been micro-chipped, spayed or neutered  and evaluated by an on-site trainer. On-site medical evaluation will be provided by Michelle West, DMV; and Julie Berman, DMV, of Shoreline Animal Hospital.

Adoption fees vary depending on the fees charged by individual shelters or rescues, but the maximum fee is $325. Potential adopters will be screened for approval before leaving the event with a dog in tow. Families can also be pre-approved to adopt a pet by visiting the www.GoDogDays.org website prior to the event and registering. Rescues at the event will check your references, call your vet, schedule a home visit, etc., which can take a fair amount of time.

If you live in a condo you should have a copy of your association regulations allowing you to have a dog. If you live in an apartment you will need to show landlord approval in writing for having a dog on their property.

To learn more about the event, about adopting a dog, volunteering or about the organization, visit www.godogdays.org or by calling 800-653-3134. You can also email your questions to: info@godogdays.org