Saturday, March 31, was another day for Island animal appreciators. The Black Dog hosted their annual Doggie Adoption Day at the Edgartown General Store from 12 to 4 pm.
Every year, the Black Dog teams up with a different local shelter, and 20 percent of the store’s total sales are donated to the rescue at the end of the day. The Martha’s Vineyard Animal Shelter was due up this year — in the past it has been Angels Helping Animals Worldwide or Second Chance Animal Rescue, the other two on-Island shelters.
“The Black Dog has been very generous over the years,” M.V. Animal Shelter’s Lisa Dawley said. “Even outside of this event, they regularly host occasions that benefit shelters on-Island.”
According to Ms. Dawley, crowded events can be stressful for orphaned dogs, and the shelter doesn’t currently have any up for adoption — there weren’t any shelter dogs at Saturday’s benefit. A dogless doggie adoption day? Not exactly. The shelter brought in shelter alums, and Ms. Dawley said she can almost always match a family or individual to a future pup, so the meet-and-greet was still worthwhile.
Islanders could be seen meandering through Edgartown General Store, browsing apparel and interacting with furry friends — this was, of course, a dog-friendly event.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing some of the dogs we’ve adopted out but haven’t seen for quite some time,” Ms. Dawley said. “I always say my best day is when I make a great adoption, and my worst day is when I make a great adoption.”
Reggie, a Norwich terrier and Adoption Day alum, was charming customers and inquirers. The M.V. Animal Shelter set up a booth, staffed to answer questions all day.
An available lop-eared bunny named Mel was also at the store for most of the day.
“As far as bunnies go, they don’t get much cuter than Mel,” Ms. Dawley said.
General Store manager Christine Cardoza said the Black Dog has been hosting this event for the past four years, and she looks forward to it every time. Black Dog stores from all over the country participate in Annual Doggie Adoption Day, partnering with their own local shelters.
“We are so excited to be hosting another Doggie Adoption Day,” Ms. Cardoza said. “It’s always fun to be involved in the community like this.”
“We’re very lucky to have the Black Dog here on-Island so interested in helping local shelters,” Ms. Dawley said.
