Super Pet Adoption Festival at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park

By Janet McAfee

Get ready to head down the “Yellow Brick Road” the weekend of November 14th and November 15th for the Wizard of Oz themed Super Pet Adoption Festival at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park.  This is the 7th annual rescue adoption extravaganza sponsored by Loving All Animals, and this year promises to be better than ever.  You will be greeted by Dorothy holding Toto, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, Glinda the Good Witch, and other assorted costumed volunteers.

The 4-legged super stars of the days are the hundreds of cats and dogs who will travel to the Land of Oz with a hope of getting a loving home.  Dozens of private rescue groups and public shelters will be there with their staff and volunteers who will help you select the perfect pet.

This year’s event will feature exciting entertainment for the humans.  The Coastline, a group of singers who began as the Singing Waiters of Malibu, will perform popular hit tunes.  Singer India Carney, a finalist on “The Voice” will lend her amazing talent to the festivities.

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The world acclaimed Sundance Dog Team, with their amazing dog and people acrobatic tumbling team, will be on stage.  The Sundance pooches performed on premiere stages throughout the world, including television appearances on The Tonight Show, Ellen, and Animal Planet.  Kyra Sundance, pictured here with one of the dogs, starred with her pooches in Disney’s Underdog stage show.  The Mobile Zoo of Southern California will bring an assortment of reptiles, including a 100 year old tortoise and a 7 foot Boa constrictor.  Though not for adoption, these creatures are a favorite of the youngsters.

You won’t want to miss our local group, the Indio Police K-9 team demonstrating their incredible crime fighting skills.  The police dogs impress crowds every year with their intelligence and highly developed skills.

On Sunday, shortly after the Sunday 10:00 am opening, a “Blessing of the Animals” service conducted by Dale Olansky from the Center for Spiritual Living church is scheduled.  Your own pet, and maybe the one you adopted on Saturday, can receive a special blessing.

There is still time to purchase a kennel card to help defray costs of this event.  For a $50 donation, you can display your name, the name of your pet, or the name of your business on a sign that will be displayed on the dog adoption kennels.  Contact (760) 834-7019 about the kennel cards.

Mark your calendars now for Saturday and Sunday, November 14th and 15th, when the “Wizard of Paws” commences from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.  The Palm Desert Civic Center Park is located on the corner of Fred Waring and San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert, just behind the city government buildings.  There is no charge for admission.  Call (760) 834-7000 for information.  You may fall in love at the Wizard of Paws and take home a new best “furfriend”!

Jmcafee7@verizon.net