Super Pet Adoption Festival This Weekend

Nov. 14th & Nov. 15th at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park

By  Janet McAfee

There is something for everyone at the 7th annual Super Pet Adoption Festival this weekend, Nov. 14th and Nov. 15th at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park.  This year’s event promises to be better than ever, with the now legendary Wizard of Oz theme.  Dorothy and Toto will be there to greet you as you begin your journey down the “yellow brick road”.  The Tin Man, the Scarecrow and Glinda the Good Witch are among the costumed volunteers.

Over 35 shelters and rescue groups will attend with over 500 fabulous adoptable dogs, cats, and birds.  They travel from throughout Southern California to the Land of Oz in the hope of finding loving homes.  While an amazing lineup of musical and canine talent is displayed on stage, these animals are the true Superstars of the day.  Owners of rescue pets know they are the most loving and grateful animals.  Did you know that 30% of the animals in all public shelters are pure breeds?  California Maltese Rescue, Forget-Me-Not Pekingese, and Southern Calif Boxer are rescues attending where you can find a particular breed.

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Our Riverside County shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, will have over 40 dogs, and will offer special event adoption fees.  The City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter is coming for the first time.  They are bringing some gorgeous small dogs, and a pit bull mama with her new puppies.  Everyone is spayed and neutered in advance of the event.

Already own a dog?  Put a leash on Benji and bring him along to enjoy the festivities.  This is your chance to buy him a new holiday outfit at one of the pet clothing vendors.  Then wander over to the “pets and people” photo booth and have a picture taken together.

On Saturday, you can test drive a beautiful new Lincoln automobile.  The dealership will donate $20 to Loving All Animals for each person or family group who test drives one of their cars.  This helps to defray costs of the event.

Draft Horse wagon rides will transport folks back and forth between the nearby College of the Desert Street Fair and the Super Pet Adoption.  What a fun way to travel and enjoy two events on the same day.  A hands-on arts and craft area will entertain the children while their folks select that new special dog or cat.

You can enjoy a gourmet lunch by one of the duck ponds while listening to the music on the nearby stage.  Le Donne Cucina Italian, Da Kane Hawaiian & Sushi, and Primavera’s Kitchen are just a few of the food trucks that will be there to tempt your palate.  Top off lunch with a snow cone.

Mark your calendar now for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14th and 15th, 10 am to 4:00 pm, when the “Wizard of Paws” once again visits our Coachella Valley.  The beautiful 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.  Admission is FREE.  Call (760) 834-7000 for more information.  You might just meet a fabulous new “furfriend” to join your family.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net