Luau and Beth were excited. They didn’t know what was up, but they could sense that they were about to have an adventure. In fact, they were on their way up the hill to the observatory at Chabot Space & Science Center, where they would meet lots of people, get a passel of pets, and, of course, tasty treats. The two girls–both dogs, in case you were wondering–were ambassadors for Oakland Animal Services and Friends of Oakland Animal Services (the nonprofit that supports many programs at the shelter) at the annual Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association meeting. They were there to show the crowd that there are great animals living just down the hill from them, waiting for permanent homes.
The expo that was held in conjunction with the group’s annual meeting featured vendors of interest to the local residents. At the table sponsored by OAS and FOAS, shelter volunteers and the two lucky dogs had the chance to greet the meeting’s attendees, many of whom had come early especially for the expo in the Chabot lobby.
Luau, an affectionate caramel-and-white-colored pit bull-mix girl with soulful eyes and a never-ending grin, and Beth, a gentle and sweet black dachshund-Chihuahua mix with white markings, both drew a lot of interest from adults and kids. After some initial uncertainty, the dogs enjoyed themselves, garnering lots of gentle pats, ear rubs and treats, and practicing their best “make me yours” faces. Though we can’t be sure it was due to her appearance at the meeting, Luau was adopted two days later.
On the human side of the event, shelter volunteers talked to lots of visitors, took in donations, and distributed information, all of which put more light on the shelter’s work. A few people learned that OAS is not the SPCA and that it’s the first place to go to look for a lost animal. Several visitors said that they’d adopted from OAS, and many said they’d come check out the shelter for their next pet. When they show up, we can promise that they’re going to meet animals just as fetching as Beth and Luau.
One final note: We send a special thanks to the Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association for making Oakland Animal Services’ attendance at this event possible.
