Oaks Park hosts ‘Puplandia’ fundraising party

Here’s why people had a fun time at this unique boutique that was definitely for the dogs …

Folks having a day of fun on Spring Break at Oaks Amusement Park take time to shop among the vendors at the Puplandia Dog Rescue Spring Shopping Extravaganza.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

People with Puplandia Dog Rescue were sad when a winter storm cancelled their event at nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park earlier this year.

But, with the park teeming with guests on the rescheduled date – March 30; fortuitously, Saturday of Spring Break weekend – “Puplandia’s Spring Shopping Extravaganza” was a success.

Volunteer Andrew Dodd spends a moment with Puplandia Dog Rescue Founder and Alpha Brook Benson.

“It’s been great that so many people visiting Oaks Park today are learning about our program,” exclaimed Puplandia Dog Rescue “Founder and Alpha”, Brook Benson, at the fundraiser held in The Oaks’ Dance Pavilion.

“To raise money, we hold this shopping fair – this year, with 50 vendors selling art, soaps, toys, dog treats, baked goods, and Puplandia merchandise. Plus our famous ‘Puppy Kissing Booth’!” Benson told East Portland News.

At the Puplandia Dog Rescue shopping fundraiser in Oaks Park, visitor Mara Castro snuggles up to “Gilligan” at the “Doggie Kissing Booth”, as volunteer Carrie Wilson calms the pooch.

The group was hoping to raise about $2,500 that day; the money would go to pay medical bills, allowing them to save more dogs, Benson explained.

“Puplandia Dog Rescue is about three years old; we started as a rescue taking in dogs that families can’t keep anymore. We rescue about 100 dogs per year; so far, that’s 297 that we’ve taken in and found a home for, but we have ten other dogs currently waiting for their ‘forever’ homes.

“Now, we’re taking in a lot more dogs with medical needs – ones that are lame, with broken bones, and that need surgery and rehabilitation – and it’s expensive,” Benson said. “We’re thankful for the many people who support our mission to help these dogs, which otherwise would been euthanized.”

Trying on doggie fashions for her pup, “Bailey”, is shopper Michelle Worrell.

For more information about Puplandia Dog Rescue, or to get involved with the group, see their website: CLICK HERE.

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