Adoption Event Helps Homeless Pets in Paulding

Animal rescue organizations and local businesses came together to create a large adoption event and pet festival Saturday, June 4, hosted by the Tractor Supply Co. in Dallas.
The Paws & Claws Festival: Celebrating Tails of a New Life was dedicated to helping the homeless pets of Paulding County and the surrounding areas. The event featured eight rescue organizations as well as the Paulding County Animal Control. Though thunderstorms brought the festival to an early and abrupt end, six animals were adopted out into new homes and several more applications were filled out for other dogs and cats.
Weeks leading up to the event were spent collecting donations for the Paulding County Animal Control. Guests could buy tickets to win raffles during the event, and that money also went back to the shelter. More than $200 and several boxes of canned food, blankets and towels were donated after the festival.
“Between the adoptions during the event and all that we were able to give to the shelter, the event was definitely a success,” said Debra Singletary, one of the event organizers and the founder of Georgia Animal Welfare Advocates. “The rain couldn’t stop us from helping more fur-babies!” In addition to the chance to adopt a new pet, guests who attended the event were treated to demonstrations and special guests throughout the day. Dee Wilkie of Clever Canidae showed the crowd basic training techniques with her dog Phoenix. From the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy First Class Brandon Kilgore stopped by with K-9 officer Verro and demonstrated his companion’s focus and discipline.
For the pets that stood out among the rest, the Pet Idol was their time to shine. Categories included Best Trick, Most Affectionate, and Best Dressed, and the winners took home a first place plaque and coupon packages from local businesses.
Guests who wanted to browse had more than two dozen booths to check out from local shops and home-based businesses. From handmade wreaths to custom vinyl decals, from a photo booth for pets to wooden cutting boards and glass bird feeders, there was truly something for everyone at the event. Event coordinators would like to thank the following rescue organizations for participating in the event:

• Rotts n Pups Rescue
• Dog Days Rescue
• BullyWag
• Bikers Against Animal Abuse and Neglect
• Inspire Pet Rescue
• Your New Best Friend Pet Rescue
• Cherokee Humane Society
• Acworth Petco Adoptions

Thank you to Tractor Supply Co. in Dallas for hosting the event and donating more than $250 in raffle prizes. The event’s main sponsors, D & G Outdoor Lighting and Signs alongside Georgia Animal Welfare Advocates, are the reason the event came to fruition. Special thanks to the banner sponsors for supporting the festival: Cornerstone Chiropractic, Crist Roofing and Construction, Gardner Dermatology and Med Spa, The Dallas New Era, Hiram Animal Hospital, Happy Tails Ranch, Peach State Printing, and Paulding County Animal Control. Lastly, the event coordinators thank all of the business sponsorships and individual support of the event. Each and every business and family is appreciated for helping make a difference in these pets’ lives. Thank you to the following businesses: SmartFones, Autohouse.US, Highest Praise Trophies, Dixie Delight Candles Country Produce Store, and Xzibits. Thank you to the following families and pet owners: Faith Patty, Evelyn Landers, Tracy Jones, Emily Hope, Lisa Weldy, Brian Sallee, Lisa and Richard Williams, the Garcia family, Connie Graham, Matt and Adalyn Johnson, Marlene Beck and the Beck family zoo, Trevor and JJ Morris, Lorin Erikson and Dan Taylor, and Joan Barnes and Mo the Wonder Pug.