The “Dogs of Summer” Adoption and Training Expo on Saturday, June 23, at Coral Reef Park in Palmetto Bay got off to a great start with people and their pooches turning out for the event that was sponsored by Miami-Dade County, Village of Palmetto Bay, Town of Cutler Bay and Village of Pinecrest.
Unexpected heavy rains hit about halfway through the event, scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., sending the crowd of roughly 100 or so area residents running for shelter under the tents set up for exhibitors.
Before the rains came, several shelter dogs found new homes as part of the on-site adoptions from Miami-Dade Animal Services. There was a Miami-Dade Police Department K-9 Unit demonstration, and free microchipping was available as was important information on spaying and neutering pets.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava in her welcoming remarks thanked everyone for participating, including the three municipalities and other sponsoring groups, the police departments and the veterinarians and staff of the county’s Animal Services Department.
“The dogs are wagging their tails,” Commissioner Levine Cava said. “They’re paying attention. I love it. It’s all about the animals today.
“The Animal Services Department is here today in force. They’ve got big dogs, medium dogs, just a couple of little dogs. We want to let this truck go home empty, so please help us find these beautiful creatures a loving home.”
Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn, whose own dog, Timmy, had also been a shelter dog, was pleased with the Dogs of Summer.
“People have been hounding me about when we were going to do this event again,” Mayor Flinn said. “It’s one of my favorites.
“One of our strengths in Palmetto Bay is that we are a dog walking community. We like to gather and meet each other through our dogs.
It’s a great event with great partners out here. I love to see the kids here, the parents here,” he added.
Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell, attending with her shelter dog, Nala, was also happy to participate.
“I love the Dogs of Summer,” Mayor Bell said. “This is my second event here, and being a tri-city event we’re very happy to represent our city, a city that really cares about pets and cares about shelter animals.
“I adopted my dog two years ago. It’s a wonderful day, a lot of great people out here. I think this event will grow and get better and better.”
For information regarding adopting a pet from Miami-Dade County Animal Services visit the website at www.miamidade.gov/animals or contact the Pet Adoption and Protection Center at 305-884-1101.
