INCLUDES VIDEO VIGNETTE Take a look at this delightful, outdoor dog-centric event, with lots of tail wagging, and people smiling …
Canines and their companion humans, many from outer East Portland, enjoy this “Pup Party” held at the Portland Mercado.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Portland Mercado, in the Mt. Scott-Arleta neighborhood, was even more lively than usual on Saturday afternoon, August 7, when their cantina – called Barrio – hosted a “Pup Party”, in support of East Portland’s Family Dog’s New Life Animal Shelter.
Outside the main building was a pop-up market – featuring doggie goods, services and organizations.
Selling raffle tickets and providing information is volunteer Kerry Rowand.
“I’m here today as a volunteer with Family Dog’s New Life Animal Shelter; a no-kill dog shelter off SE Johnson Creek Boulevard,” said Kerry Rowand, standing at the organization’s information and raffle table.
“They rescue dogs regardless of their age, breed, and history,” explained Rowand. “Because this organization survives on donations, they are really appreciative of all this community support we’re seeing here today!”
Vendors, all donating a portion of their sales to the dog shelter, offer a wide variety of dog-related goods and services.
From Animal Balance is Emma Clifford and her furry friend, Arlo. “He’s a malamute, plus an ‘everything gorgeous’ rescue dog,” she says.
“We’re having a great crowd of dogs and their owners here today, including those adopted from ‘Family Dog’s New Life Animal Shelter’. They’re just checking it out, having fun, and enjoying the nice day,” observed Rowand.
Smiling, because the ‘Pup Party’ is being well-received, are Chris Shimamoto and Dayna Del Mar.
Inside Barrio, proprietor Chris Shimamoto shared that a friend and customer, Dayna Del Mar, had suggested hosting the benefit on behalf of the shelter. “I love dogs, so we set this up.
“We’re doing this because we love community, we love dogs and we love bringing it all together,” commented Del Mar.
She loves her adopted dog, Pulpo, says Ann Petroliunas.
One of the adoptees we met – who came from the Family Dog’s New Life Animal Shelter – was with his human, Ann Petroliunas. “He was a ‘Mexican street dog’ that came up with a busload of dogs from Puerto Escondido, Mexico, to the shelter.
“A DNA test shows that there are at least 15 breeds mixed in. The ones people recognize most in him are whippet, and American Terrier,” Petroliunas informed. “Oh, yes: Pulpo means ‘octopus’ in Spanish.”
Organizers asked us to recognize these Foster Road area businesses, which provided prizes for the fundraising raffle:
Barrio ~ Dutch Bros.
Foster Outdoor ~ Gray Dog Digital
Like Dat Apparel ~ Pieper Café
Portland Digs/Realtor Chris Correnti
Red Castle Games ~ Starday Tavern
Tita’s Kitchen ~ Birds & Bees Nursery
Bow Wow Grooming Boutique
Gemini Moon Ventures ~ Sugah’s Cookies
Surf’s Pup Doggie Lounge ~ Teutonic Wine Company
Find out more about Family Dog’s New Life Animal Shelter by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2021 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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