Dozens of animal shelters across the U.S. will spotlight their super social shelter dogs this weekend in hopes of finding them homes. Thirty-nine shelters are participating in the National Playgroup Rockstars Adoption event. The Habersham County Animal Shelter is among them.
Habersham is one of only three locations in Georgia participating in this unique adoption opportunity on Saturday, October 7. The others are in Gainesville and Columbus.
Habersham will hold its event from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Come meet the dogs in the shelter play yard behind the Habersham County Fairgrounds at 4231 Toccoa Highway in Clarkesville.
Playgroups have ‘changed everything’
Petco Love, BOBS Skechers, and Dogs Playing for Life are sponsoring the national adoption event. It’s designed to find loving homes for these amazing dogs while promoting the importance of playgroups.
Operating under “Every Dog, Every Day, Let Them Play!” – Dogs Playing for Life inspired the Playgroup Rockstars Adoption event.
Founder Aimee Sadler developed the shelter playgroup concept in the late ’90s after noticing that large dogs at shelters rarely left their kennel due to staffing and volunteer limitations.
Today, more than 300 shelters across the U.S. have implemented the Dogs Playing for Life program. The nonprofit trains animal shelter staff how to assess dogs properly to enable them to run large playgroups as a regular part of shelter life.
Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC) implemented shelter playgroups in recent years. HCACC Director Madi Nix says it’s made a world of difference.
“Playgroups have changed everything for us and the dogs in our care. We’ve seen a drastic increase in adoptions and positive placement since implementing play groups into our daily routine,” says Nix. “Giving dogs the chance to be dogs- who would have thought such a simple concept would change the way we operate and view shelter dogs and their placement options.”
Picking the right pet
“Events like Playgroup Rockstars allow dogs to have fun with each other and showcase their playful nature and true personalities. When people visit the shelter and see the dogs in action, they can better picture these dogs as part of their family,” says Sadler.
For people who already have dogs, the Playgroup Rockstars Adoption Event allows you to see these dogs in action and find that perfect match for your existing pet.
For those considering adopting two dogs, the teams on the ground can help you find the perfect pair.
“Witnessing this play is not only enjoyable for the pet parent but highly beneficial physically and mentally for the dogs,” says Petco Love President Susanne Kogut. “We look forward to celebrating the bonds formed between these Playgroup Rockstars and their new families.”
For a complete list of participating shelters, visit PlaygroupRockstars.com.
