Galleria wraps up monthlong pet expo
Roy Hernandez and his wife, and the couple’s 8-year-old son, were walking around the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale when they happened to walk by the Forever Homes Pet Adoption Expo, which recently wrapped up after its monthlong stay at the shopping center.
Since his son has been asking for a dog, the Weston family decided to adopt one of the seven Jack Russell mix puppies that were up for adoption by the nonprofit, Abandoned Pet Rescue.
“Those eyes, they kind of soften your heart, and say ‘get me out of here and give me some love,’ and it’s good to adopt instead of buying,” Hernandez said. “They were really amazing people and we felt really comfortable. You could see they love what they do.”
The pet adoption expo was one of several events that make up the Galleria’s second annual DogDays series, which features a variety of canine-centered events for an entire month.
“It raises awareness of pets in our community and especially some of the nonprofits that are less known. It’s a form of need in our community, and while we support a lot of other types of charities, this highlights some of the issues for animals in the community,” said Melissa Milroy Sr., the Galleria’s marketing manager.
The events also help to raise funds and awareness for local animal rescue organizations. Participating organizations included Animal Aid, Boxer Friends, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption, Good Karma Pet Rescue, Friends of Greyhounds, Grateful Paws Dog and Cat Rescue
and the Humane Society of Broward County.
Michelle Weaver, cofounder of Friends of Greyhounds, participated in the event for the first time this year and said it’s wonderful that the Galleria hosts events to raise awareness about pet adoption.
“They are in such a great area that is very under served by adoption groups and I think it’s wonderful exposure for all the adoption groups,” said Weaver.
Abandoned Pet Rescue of Fort Lauderdale was also new to the expo this year. The no-kill shelter houses 300 cats and dogs and recently had its 20th anniversary.
“We’re an all-volunteer and all-community funded
organization and are always looking for more volunteers. There are so many great opportunities and so much need in our community of South Florida. There are so many free animals that are out there with no homes and for no one to care for them or care about them,” said Larry Wallenstein, a volunteer with Abandoned Pet Rescue.
According to Milroy, some of the most popular days at the Galleria are when the mall has their pet nights with Santa and the Easter Bunny, and that it’s a possibility for the dog days events to be extended in the future.