The Local Bark to host dog rescue groups at

RESCUE ME! Community Adoption Event

Dog licensing and rabies vaccines available on site to help save the new Sacramento Animal Shelter

Rancho Cordova – April 29, 2010 – The Local Bark will host RESCUE ME!, a dog adoption event featuring a variety of dog rescue groups and their adoptable dogs, on Sunday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at The Local Bark, 3201 Fitzgerald Road in Rancho Cordova. Members of the media are invited to preview the event starting at 9:30 a.m.

Dog owners also can seize this opportunity to help generate revenue needed to save the new Sacramento animal shelter by getting their dog licensed. Sacramento County Animal Care & Regulation will be on site to license dogs that live in Sacramento County, and Blue Ravine Animal Hospital of Folsom will administer rabies vaccines. To get a license, owners must provide proof of rabies vaccine and, for the lowest price, a spay/neuter certificate. Licensing helps re-unite lost pets with their owners.

“In light of the recent dismal news about the potential closure of the new Sacramento animal shelter, we saw an opportunity to help raise awareness about this crisis and help the county with its push for licensing,” said Mark Minnie, owner of The Local Bark.

“Our goal with this event is two-fold: to help some of the area’s best-known and most committed dog rescue organizations further their goals of educating the community about the array of specific breeds that are available for adoption and finding homes for their rescued dogs, and to help the county gain some traction in spreading the word about the urgency of generating revenue for the shelter,” he said. “It would be a real tragedy for the community if we lose the shelter and the committed people who run it.”

Greyhound Friends for Life, German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley, Westie Rescue of California, Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue, Chako Pit Bull Rescue, Second Chance Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Pug Rescue of Sacramento, and City of Folsom Animal Services are among the organizations that will be in attendance. The Local Bark also rescues dogs and will have their pack of six dogs of various mixed-breeds available for adoption.

In addition to people-and-dog matchmaking efforts, RESCUE ME! will feature a variety of educational opportunities for people both looking for their future best friends and those who have already found them.

Choose the Right Dog for You is an informational display to help people understand the differences between dog types and dog breeds – mainly in temperament and energy levels – and to help guide them in the right direction when considering a new canine family member.

Bringing Home Your Adopted Dog is a free seminar that will focus on the proper way to integrate a newly adopted dog into the family.

“Dogs from rescue groups and shelters have unique needs; they oftentimes come with a heart-tugging story or baggage, and are in a state of transition,” said Kristin Minnie, dog trainer and owner of The Local Bark. “The most well-meaning owner can unknowingly make mistakes with these special dogs, letting their hearts lead the way. We want to help owners guide their newly adopted dog in a direction that helps the dog settle in and become properly balanced in their new environment,” she said.

Current dog owners and their dogs are encouraged to attend the hands-on activity Dog parks: Learn to Love Them that will take place in The Local Bark’s large outdoor play yard. Owners will learn from professionals how to effectively “do” the dog park so both dog and human have the most rewarding – and trauma-free – experience.

“We constantly hear from our clients that they are “afraid” to go to the dog park. We want to arm them with information about dog and dog-pack behavior to help them identify potential problems and show them how to step in safely,” said Kristin Minnie.

There will also be fun contests for dog owners and their dogs, and an activity area for kids.

For more information about RESCUE ME! visit http://www.localbark.com/rescue_me.php

The Local Bark is located at 3201 Fitzgerald Road in Rancho Cordova and is Sacramento area’s newest upscale dog resort, providing boarding, daycare and training. The Local Bark is unique in that dogs are in their rooms only when eating and sleeping. The rest of a dog’s visit is spent playing in a pack environment – at no extra charge. Superior standards of care make The Local Bark a great place for dogs to stay, play, and learn.