Local Festival Goes to the Dogs!

Sept. 14, 2012 - PRLog -- It’s time for a new breed of family fun in Dallas. Operation Kindness, the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in North Texas, will host its 18th Annual Dog Day Afternoon on Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10 am until 2 pm. Dog Day Afternoon was created by Operation Kindness in 1994 to recognize dog supporters, adopters and advocates. The event, which also serves as a much needed fundraiser for the nonprofit, has evolved into a public festival for all things canine – dog psychics, dog contests, dog merchandise and more.

“We created Dog Day Afternoon to celebrate the bond between dogs and their owners, and to provide a free, fun event, so that the general public could come out with their dogs and get to know us. It helps us introduce some of our animals and get the word out about the adoption process, so that when people are ready to adopt, they’ll think of us,” said Sherwin Daryani, executive director of Operation Kindness.

The free, annual festival is Operation Kindness’ most heavily attended event. More than 2,000 people and more than 800 dogs are expected this year.

“I’ll be taking my dogs Lady Girl and Frazier to Dog Day Afternoon,” said Judyann Robinson, owner. “We’re really looking forward to it. One of the things I like best is watching all the people and their dogs interact. I love seeing the bond between people and their dogs. Dog Day Afternoon is a celebration of what pet ownership is all about. It’s a fun event, and it’s heart-warming.”

Dog Day Afternoon will be held at Flag Pole Hill Park at White Rock Lake, located at 8100 Doran Circle in Dallas. The event is sponsored by Pet Supplies “Plus” and will be held rain or shine. Admission is free and open to the public and their pooches. Event highlights include:

•   Pet adoptions – adoption fees will help benefit homeless and unwanted animals
•   A puppy kissing booth, featuring some of Operation Kindness’ cutest temporary residents
•   Free stuff! The first 1,000 people at the event will receive goodie bags, and vendors will be giving away additional items throughout the day
•   More free stuff! Micro-chipping services, courtesy of Natural Balance Pet Foods, will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis (limit two dogs per owner)
•   Canine contests, including Best Costume, Pet Tricks, Doggie Bulldozer and Best Pooch Smooch
•   A “Pet Psychic” – Animal Communicator and Intuitive Coach Sandra Larsen will be on hand to answer questions on animal behavior and communication
•   $10 Pet Portraits from Dog Biscuit Photos – proceeds to benefit homeless and unwanted animals
•   Face painting, a playground and a bounce house for the kids
•   Live music from GT Texas

“There are so many fun things to do at the event. Last year, Sandra Larsen – the pet psychic – was probably the most popular. After the event was over, she still had a long line of people waiting to talk with her. It was amazing. The pet contests are also very popular, particularly Pet Tricks. There’s always something incredible to see, and even when the tricks aren’t as good, they’re usually pretty funny,” said Daryani.

Founded in 1976, Operation Kindness is the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in North Texas. Its mission is to care for homeless cats and dogs in a no-kill environment until each is adopted into responsible homes and to advocate humane values and behavior. Operation Kindness has saved nearly 70,000 animals since its inception. Operation Kindness cares for an average of 200-250 animals on a day-to-day basis, with another 60-80 animals in foster homes. More than 3,000 dogs and cats are assisted by Operation Kindness each year. Learn more about Operation Kindness at operationkindness.org or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-Kindness/30251945822).