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Humane Society event brings rescues, community together
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Petoberfest, a new event held by the Humane Society of Stanislaus County on Saturday, featured rescue organizations, demonstrations by disc dogs, and a costume contest. - photo by ANDREA GOODWIN / The Journal

Puppies, kittens and bunnies — and their owners — came together at the Tuolumne River Regional Park on Saturday for Petoberfest, a new event held by the Humane Society of Stanislaus County. The event invited eight pet rescues and many pet-related vendors to share in a day of celebrating “adopt a dog” month.

“We have a lot of rescues in this area but we never work together on the problem (of pet homelessness.) This event really is about working together,” said Laurie Daily-Johnston, a Humane Society volunteer.

The organizations at the event ranged from general dog and cat rescues to breed and species specific rescues. Friends of Turlock Animal Shelter attended the event with their climate-controlled animal trailer. They adopted out four kittens at the event, and were one of two rescues that had cats available for adoption.  Friends of Turlock Animal Shelter also brings their mobile pet adoption trailer to Pet Extreme in Turlock on most weekends.

“We are glad to be part of an event that we don’t normally do,” said Lee Anne Pinkerton of Friends of Turlock Animal Shelter.

Trinket’s Memorial Rabbit Sanctuary from Ceres was also at the event with several rabbits available for adoption. They also brought Madison, a paralyzed rabbit who lost use of her back legs after an accident. Madison was not available for adoption, but she serves as a sort of mascot for the rescue.

Pets and their families enjoyed demonstrations of fly ball, disk dogs and agility courses throughout Petoberfest. There were also plenty of dog treats and toys available for purchase at the event. Non-rescue vendors made donations of raffle baskets and all proceeds from the raffle went to the Humane Society of Stanislaus County.

To contact Andrea Goodwin, e-mail agoodwin@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2003.