Animal lovers in the community rejoice, as Woofstock 2013 is set to kick off on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in John Connolly Park.
Pet parents and pets alike are invited to attend Woofstock 2013, hosted by Voorhees-based The Animal Orphanage.
Shelter director Christine Todd said it is a day dedicated to celebrating pet owners and their pets.
“It’s a day that the people in the community join together to celebrate responsible ownership,” Todd said.
In its 17th year, Woofstock has become a yearly outing for residents, with the event growing in size as the years progress. Todd said that while the event was held at Lions Lake Park for more than a decade, the event had to be moved to John Connolly Park four years ago to accommodate the large turnout.
“Each year, we’re fortunate enough that the crowd got bigger and bigger, so we had to move the event,” Todd said.
This year, Todd explained that Woofstock will be packed with exciting events for those with four legs, and those with two legs as well.
During the day, guests are welcome to enter their furry friends into a number of pet contests, ranging from Cutest Couple to Best Pooch Smooch.
Yet with plenty for the pets, there is plenty to do for the pet parents as well, such as a K-9 officer demonstration, courtesy of the Gloucester County K-9 unit. Reenacting a robbery, representatives of the K-9 unit will show how K-9 officers can assist in apprehending a suspect — complete with a faux culprit and a bite-sleeve.
In addition, members from the K-9 unit will also demonstrate the dogs’ abilities to sniff out contraband substances, by hiding certain items under chairs of audience members.
With a full bill of live entertainment, event go-ers can also unwind to the tunes of DJ Jim Kelly or the harmonic sounds of the Ferko string band — which is slated to arrive at 1 p.m., fully costumed.
“This will be their first year, so we’re looking forward to that,” Todd said.
This year’s Woofstock will also feature a flea market.
Of all the events, Todd said her favorite hands-down is the Alumni Parade, which will feature anywhere from 25 to 30 former orphans who have since found forever families. This year’s parade will be lead by former Flyer, Bob “The Hound” Kelly.
“They come out with their families, and they’re happy and healthy, and it’s really a great time to be reconnected with the dogs,” Todd said.
Serving as The Animal Orphanage’s largest fundraiser, last year’s Woofstock brought in close to $40,000 for the shelter and is expected to raise close to that again this year.
Todd said the bulk of the money they raise goes directly to the medical costs for each animal the shelter takes in, which can be “pretty astronomical” from case to case. Each animal is also spayed or neutered and administered vaccines before going to their new home.
This year, however, a part of the proceeds will also go to rebuilding the facilities, as well as the daily operations within the shelter.
“Anything the animal needs, we provide for them,” Todd said.
In addition to the festivities, The Animal Orphanage, along with several other nonprofits, will have animals available for adoption at Woofstock. While the animals available for adoption will be mostly dogs, Todd said the shelter will be bringing their orphaned cats with them.
“It’s just a great day to come out into the park,” Todd said. “It’s a great day to have a pet.”
Entrance to Woofstock is $1. All proceeds benefit The Animal Orphanage.
Pet micro chipping will also be available for a fee of $25.
For more information on The Animal Orphanage or to learn how to become a volunteer, call 627–9111. The shelter is open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
