By Erin Davisson
Woof Stock, a pet-friendly, family event, will arrive at the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, May 5 from 4 to 9 p.m.
The day will feature the utter cuteness of puppies and kittens available from event sponsor Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue. Don’t worry, there will also be plenty of older dogs and cats if you’re not into baby pets, for this is sure to be a purr-fect time for friends and family.
Woof Stock was created in order to bring awareness about adopting dogs and how important it is compared to buying a dog. It also allows different rescue agencies and businesses to pair up with Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue to find pet parents for these animals in need.
“We want to start partnerships with other businesses,” explained Janet Diamond of Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue.
Justin Bartlett will be bringing approximately 20 dogs, but there will be other dog rescues participating as well. “We’re showcasing three others to support the rescue,” Diamond said.
The event will include several live bands, such as Whitestone, JD Danner, and Stan and Valerie. There will also be food trucks, vendors and a 50/50 raffle.
Donations will be accepted, and not just money, but towels and blankets would be greatly appreciated.
Woof Stock’s goal is to bring families out to the amphitheater for a day of pet-themed entertainment, and to possibly meet a new family member.
“Woof Stock is a gathering place not only with family and friends, but to make new families and friends,” Diamond said.
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue was founded in 2012 by seasoned rescue workers. The rescue is named after a young animal lover, Justin Bartlett, who passed away in 2008 at age 24. Since it was formed, this rescue has saved more than 7,500 animals. Currently, they have 51 cats and 126 dogs. The program also finds foster families for the rescue dogs and cats.
In 2015, to provide low cost veterinary care, they founded the Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital and expanded into the space next to the rescue center, located at Southern Blvd. and State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. The hospital has already served more than 10,000 patients. This is not just a hospital for rescues. The hospital is open to the public and has the medical services needed, including medicines for both cats and dogs, and specific pet foods.
The awareness of adopting dogs is still spreading around America. People give up their dogs because of health issues, their age or even when they can’t afford to spay/neuter them. Many of the Justin Bartlett rescues are pregnant dogs or abandoned puppies.
Justin Bartlett co-founder Peter Torres said that the puppies are very popular, but older dogs need homes as well.
“Puppies go really quickly, but the moms are left behind,” he said. “I’m hoping Woof Stock will give them a chance to be adopted.”
A tour of the rescue center and the hospital itself shows that many of the dogs available are females that had given birth recently and are still waiting for their forever homes.
To learn more about the Justin Bartlett program, and how to adopt or foster one of their rescues, visit www.justinbartlettanimalrescue.org.
On their web site, you’ll find information about the program, the animals and more.
Woof Stock sponsor and vendor opportunities are available. For more information, contact Diamond at (561) 414-5437 or justinbartlettcommunitycoord@gmail.com.
