The Third Annual Doggie Street Festival (DSF) this Sunday will once again provide an open space in Century City for the pet rescue community to celebrate, inform the public about, and provide services related to companion animals.
The event is the largest dog/cat-adoption-focused festival in Southern California and welcomes with open arms those interested in adopting a homeless pet. Last year, more than 160 pets were adopted at the Doggie Street Festival.
The festival at Westfield Century City will start at 11 am and conclude at 5 pm.
The event features food, music, a kids’ play area, special guests, and of course, an assortment of pet products and services. The public has the option of joining as a sponsor, a vendor, or as an auction prize provider.
“Through our invaluable sponsors, vendors, and media partners, we have made a tangible difference,” DSF founder and organizer Jude Artenstein said.
The concept behind this festival derives from Artenstein’s experience with her companion dog, Scout.
Artenstein witnessed the sad realities of pet homelessness and abandonment as a result of the 2008-2009 economic crisis. Her close relationship with Scout, who helped her recuperate through an accident and subsequent knee injury, led her to realize the value and irreplaceability of a companion pet and the need to celebrate companion animals.
Though Scout has since passed away, Artenstein dedicates the Doggie Street Festival to his memory.
“I always look forward to increasing adoptions,” Arteinstein said. “It is the heartbeat of the event.”
At the festival, extensive efforts are made to ensure that visitors leave more aware and educated about pet adoption and care.
Information regarding health-related topics like nutrition, training, and spay/neuter options is readily available through resources such as veterinarians, pet professionals, trainers, and health/nutrition experts.
The common goal of these pet connoisseurs is to improve pet care within the community. This relay of important information is encompassed in a festive public celebration.
“We have VCA Animal hospitals attending,” Artenstein said. “They will be providing free exams to each person that adopts a dog or cat.”
Debuting this year at DSF is a pet book fair, which will feature books for and about pets and their owners. There will also be a chance to meet the authors of these publications, including actor Quinn Cummings, veterinarian Karen “Doc” Halligan, and journalist Diana Alvear.
“I am delighted to launch our Pet Book Pavilion, which will be a part of this event going forward,” Artenstein said. “Authors will be attending and signing their books – it is a part of Doggie Street Festival’s commitment to providing more information and insight – to improve our understanding of our companion animals.”
The festival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit doggiestreetfestival.org.
