For 12 years, Barktoberfest has brought rescue organizations and adoptable animals together in Lake Placid with a simple goal — give more animals the chance to be seen and find a home. Pawsitive Effects, Inc. will hold its 12th annual Barktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stuart Park in downtown Lake Placid. The free event has grown into the largest pet adoption event in Highlands County, according to organizer Gini Shevick.
Shevick said Barktoberfest began because local rescues needed another way to put their animals in front of potential adopters.“Pawsitive Effects, Inc. mission is to create awareness of homeless animals and help the rescue organizations committed to saving them,” she said.Without that exposure, Shevick said animals can wait longer for someone to notice them through other avenues such as social media and Petfinder.
Over the years, hundreds of animals have been adopted during Barktoberfest, but Shevick said the impact doesn’t end when the event closes. People who meet animals and rescue organizations at Barktoberfest often return later to adopt. One adoption in particular has stayed with her. Scooter was born with defective front legs that caused her to scoot rather than walk normally. “She was adopted by the most wonderful couple who fell in love with her and has given her such a wonderful home and life” recalls Shevick. “There is an adopter for just about any animal, young or old,” Shevick said.
More than adoptions
This year’s Barktoberfest includes several additions, including guest speakers, special demonstrations and new vendors offering products and services for pets and their owners. Among the scheduled activities are presentations on safely meeting a new dog, a demonstration featuring rescue Belgian Malinois Barrett and the annual pet costume contest.
Local rescue organizations will have animals available for adoption throughout the event, giving visitors an opportunity to meet them in person and learn more about the organizations caring for them. Leashed pets are also welcome.
The complete schedule of demonstrations and activities is available at PawsitiveEffects.org.
For Shevick and Pawsitive Effects, the purpose remains the same after 12 years: bringing homeless animals out where people can meet them — and perhaps find the one they want to take home.
