Held at the North Florida Fairgrounds, Saturday’s “Take Me Home” event attracted a combination of animal lovers, veterinarians and rescue groups from around Leon County.
New pet owners were given treats and toys to celebrate their adoption and educated on how to train and care for their pets.
Volunteers of all ages were seen walking around with dogs ready to be adopted, while hundreds of people left with a new family member.
G. Berman, coordinator and founder of the annual event, talked about her passion for pet adoptions.
“About eight years ago, I got into dog rescuing. I thought a great way to do it (the event) is bringing all the rescue groups in the local community together under one roof, and now I’m in my eighth year running it,” Berman said.
Berman also talked about the impressive turnout.
“Usually, we have 50 percent of the dogs and cats get adopted, and sometimes people go to the shelter afterward. To know that a dog has found their forever home, that’s the most awesome feeling,” Berman said.
The event was planned in September, and because it was funded through sponsors, Berman discussed that the event is possible because there are people who believe in animals finding new homes.
One individual who supports the event volunteered by walking dogs around the fairgrounds waiting to be taken in by a family.
Deborah Rodriguez, a Florida State student and volunteer, talked about the number of animals and the importance of the event.
“It is a little chaotic. Obviously, there is a bunch of animals here, but it’s all for a good cause. There is a lot of animals getting adopted today,” said Rodriguez. “It’s good exposure, especially for animal shelters and humane societies to bring out dogs who have been in shelters for a long time.”
Some animal lovers came to adopt and talk with similarly minded folks. Some never expected to adopt but found a furry friend anyway.
Rose Garret, a Tallahassee resident, talked about the effort it took to create the event.
“It’s a lot of work, and so many people lean toward pure breeds, and I’ve seen a lot of adoptions just in the time I’ve been here. There are all different humane societies, the shelter, they bring in their dogs for this event,” Garret said.
The phrase “Who adopted who” is very real for the Tallahassee community. The event allows them to create a bond with the animals and sometimes complete families.
The “Take Me Home” pet adoption event is in its eighth year of bringing animals in shelters into new homes.