Pet adoption day brings out best in community

Kayla from Officer was delighted to see the felines at the pet adoption day on Saturday. 192430_08.

Nearly 20 animals have new homes after a community event hosted by Arcadia, the Officer residential estate that has turned their Adopt a Furry Friend Day into an annual extravaganza of generosity and goodwill.

About 250 people (plus an uncounted number of pet dogs) attended the event, where community donations were raised for the Bunyip Fire Relief appeal.

Satterley Property Group, developers of Arcadia, pushed the tally up to $5000.

Satterley’s General Manager for Victoria and Queensland Jack Hoffmann said that it was wonderful to see the community come together for such worthy causes.

“This is one of my favourite events of the year because you get to see such kindness on display. It’s pleasing to see so many families decide to bring these animals into their homes and their lives,” he said.

“It’s also important that we can make a contribution to communities just a few kilometres east of here affected so badly by bushfires.”

Thirteen dogs were adopted on the day and six cats will find news homes once paperwork is completed.

Animal home and rehousing specialists, Pets Haven Foundation, has partnered with Satterley since the first event.

This is the first time, however, the Adopt a Furry Friend Day has involved cats and that was made possible thanks to FurKids Rescue, an organisation owned by an Arcadia resident.

“We have to thank so many members of the community for contributing to what turned out to be a hugely successful event,” Mr Hoffmann said.

“As well as Pets Haven and FurKids rescue, who we couldn’t have held the event without, we had the Officer Cricket Club sizzling up sausages, and we gave away 300 coffees and 250 paw-shaped ice-creams to attendees.

“Face painting and a jumping castle was a huge hit with the kids. We even had a Pooch Fashion Parade.”