ELLICOTT CITY– At least 20 shelter dogs from across the state have something extra to be thankful for this Valentine’s Day — companionship.
Twenty is the estimated number of applications Camp Bow Wow Columbia co-owner Eric Neumann, said were completed at the fifth annual, “Camp Bow Wow Cupids and Canines Adopt-a-thon” on Feb. 9.
This year’s event took place at The Enchanted Forest Shopping Center in Ellicott City, and featured more than 20 different rescue groups and shelters from across the Mid-Atlantic region—a lucky number.
The organizations came out to raise money and awareness, and to find eager human companions to love their furry friends.
“You can come to Camp Bow Wow’s Cupids and Canines and find true love at an event like this,” Neumann said.
The event showcased more than 50 canines in need of a permanent home. In the case of the Maryland Animal Sanctuary & Rescue in Baltimore, the dogs on site were some of the most needy.
“All of these animals are from high kill shelters and they wouldn’t make it out of the shelter if rescues didn’t pull them,” said MAS Rescue Adoption Coordinator Jennifer Haber.
Haber brought an eight-year-old dog to the party.
“I kind of brought her just thinking it would be a nice experience, not necessarily thinking that I was even gonna get an application,” Haber said. “And she and the woman who applied for her just, boom, took to each other just like that. I’m sure that it’s gonna be a match.”
Camp Bow Wow Columbia co-owner Michael Domingues said these events are significant because they help potential owners meet dogs they wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
“Most of the individuals that are coming here are in the market for a dog and their impression is that they’re going to find a puppy,” he said. “And what we’re also trying to do is raise awareness that dogs of all ages need homes.”
“But when they see them, they fall in love, and they’re going to get that type that they [were not] initially thinking,” he said.