Marine Park became Marine Bark on Sept. 12, as local animal-rescue organization Rescue City hosted a pet adoption party at the lush green space.
More than 100 people joined Rescue City volunteers to get to know 10 of the organization’s puppies and kittens currently available for adoption. One of Rescue City’s founders said the event was a tail-wagging success.
“We had a nice turnout,” said Dmitriy Perelshtein. “We got donations, and raised more money than ever before. And there were a ton of applications to adopt the animals.”
Kids had plenty to enjoy besides the cute and cuddly new friends they made at the event. Rescue City provided balloon animals, face painting, and games.
But the highlight of the event was the reunion of nine puppies Rescue City saved from an alleged Avenue X puppy mill in June.
The group’s founders paid $1,800 out of their own pockets to ransom the pups from the allegedly abusive Gravesend dog dealer, who was later arrested on charges of torturing, injuring and starving the animals, according to police.
The organization’s staff and volunteers helped nurse the puppies back to health, and all nine have since been adopted.
Their new owners agreed to meet during the event and bring the canine companions back together. The reunion was a special moment for the Rescue City staff.
“This rescue affected us personally,” co-founder Stella Plit said. “These puppies ate out of our hands. We nursed them. Rescuing these dogs really inspired us and pushed us to help more animals.”
