Across from the contest, members of Waldo’s Rescue Pen greeted passersby and introduced them to some adorable foster dogs looking for forever homes. Organizer Parker Damato brought Scarlet, a four-month-old black Labrador mix she has been fostering, with hopes of finding a match.
“Waldo’s is such a great organization,” Damato said. “We’re all volunteers and we do whatever we can to help these animals find permanent homes. We travel from event to event with our fosters, hoping someone will want to adopt them and give them the love they truly deserve.”
The nonprofit organization relies on donations to provide care for the animals until they are placed.
“We pay for their medical fees and we work with the ASPCA to get as many of these dogs spayed or neutered as we can,” Damato explained.
Seven-month-old Cassia is the third dog that has been fostered by Caroline Frizzo, who has had her for approximately two weeks.
“It’s sad to let them go but it’s rewarding knowing you can help another animal,” Frizzo said.
Cassia — another Labrador mix — strutted her stuff up and down the street dressed as a strawberry.
Nearby, 5-year-old Ellie greeted visitors dressed as an adorable little pumpkin alongside her foster owner Fernanda Ferrufino. The Miniature Schnauzer was rescued from a puppy mill and recently made her way from Georgia to New York City, according to her bio on waldosrescue.org.
“She’s a little shy, but she’s such a sweet dog,” Ferrufino said.
First-time foster owner Mike Hamrah brought 2-and-a-half-year-old pit bull-mix Barrow to the event.
“I definitely want one, but I’ve never had a dog before, so I wanted to see what it was like while helping find a home for an animal in need,” Hamrah said. “This organization is fantastic and what these volunteers do is amazing. It’s a great community to be a part of as well.”
Tiny mixed breed puppy Karri charmed visitors nestled safely in the arms of volunteer Kaitlin Perata. The adorable 11-week-old enjoyed a pup cup underneath the tent as families gathered around.
Also there wagging his tail was Ashford, an eight to ten-week-old pit bull-labrador mix currently being fostered by Alaina Beyer.
“I have a small apartment, so I feel bad that he doesn’t have more space at the moment,” Beyer said. “I can see how fosters definitely get attached, but we have to always remember we want what’s best for the animal.”
To see these dogs and all the other animals currently available for adoption, visit waldosrescue.org/adopt.
