Dog adoption event a hit

All For Dogs Rescue of Central Oregon held their spring adoption drive on Saturday at Sisters Feed & Supply, and potential new owners came out in packs to support the pooches.

The tail-waggin' event was sponsored by The Nugget, Sisters Feed, and Central Bark. A colorful variety of canines were the center of attention with prospective adoption candidates holding, petting and cuddling over a dozen dogs looking for loving homes.

"Every dog deserves a shot" is the all-breed, non-denominational rescue organization's motto. The organization was co-founded in Bend by Jerleen Bryant and President Kym Garrett in August of 2009.

Cathy Warner of Central Bark was one of the ringmasters of Saturday's charitable event. The dog boarding and daycare facility is an active foster participant with All For Dogs, having provided temporary housing for over 135 dogs.

"I feel so honored to live in a community where there is such support. It was packed with so much activity and life and good energy. I think the dogs really feel that love. Here were 21 dogs from horrible living conditions in the shelter and you'd never know it," said Warner.

"These dogs were all from an incredibly overcrowded shelter in Stockton, California where Bryant has family. They were going to be euthanized that week. She and Garrett rented a van and drove down to rescue these animals. They felt they had room for 17 dogs and ended up selecting and bringing home 21. This trip was in the works for several months and the girls organized a head-count of arranged foster homes even before they left."

All visitors strolling into the feed store for a bag of food or horse grain fell into the impromptu fun. Lynn Russell of Bend romped outside in a vacant lot with Jackson and Quincy, a pair of pitbull-heeler puppies available for adoption.

"One of the brothers was finally adopted on Saturday - Jackson," said Warner. "His new owner chose him from all the dogs at the event because Jackson chewed on his beard and it made him happy."

There was no shortage of loving arms for the smaller dogs to feel safe within or eager persons to take a pet for a short walk around the block. The California gang consisted of all breeds - Chihuahuas, terriers, hounds and beagle-dachshund blends, all healthy and happy to be alive and in Sisters.

"PeeWee," a mixed toy breed with bushy whiskers, relaxed over the shoulder of Jenny Denzer, then took a short snooze, the excitement of the day proving too much. Denzer's family did eventually decide to pick PeeWee and had driven in Saturday from the Beaverton

area.

Once a dog was chosen, owners paid an average adoption fee of $150 that included a spaying or neutering, micro-chip, all vaccinations and worming.

"They're turnkey dogs, ready to go and make you happy, starting their new lives with their new families," said Warner.

Six dogs were officially adopted at Saturday's event with many more hopeful leads. Volunteers are always needed for temporary foster homes and dog transportation to veterinary appointments or to distribute dog food and supplies.

Dogs available for adoption are listed with their profiles on http://www.adopt-a-pet.com and http://www.petfinder.com.

For more information visit http://www.allfordogsrescue.com or call 541-312-5342.