Pet Adoption Event at Turtle Back Zoo Raised Funds, Awareness for Area Shelters and Rescue Groups

WEST ORANGE, N.J., – The third annual “BARKtoberfest” pet adoption event recently took place in the Berson Learning Center parking lot at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, a facility of the Essex County Parks Department. The event raised funds for participating animal shelters and rescue groups, and resulted in a number of pet adoptions with additional applications pending.

Livingston-based Eastman Companies and The Shoppes at the Livingston Circlelent their support by sponsoring a Pet Photo Booth & Costume Contest. Those in attendance had the opportunity to have their pet’s photo entered in a contest on The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle’s Facebook page. Prizes awarded for first, second and third place were donated by Zoological Society of New Jersey, Eastman Companies and Fitness 1440 (soon to open at The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle).

Pictured is the first place winner, Birdie Sky, dressed as a goat.

Participating animal shelters and rescue groups included Friends of the Livingston Animal Shelter, Brendan’s Meadows Rescue, Rescue Haven Foundation, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, Purrfect Pals, Wise Animal Rescue, Emerald City Rescue, MidAtlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, NorthStar, Punta Santiago Dogs, Shelter Helpers on Wheels, Wayne Animal Shelter, National Great Pyrenees Rescue and Eleventh Hour Rescue. The day’s events also included animal enrichment and education tables, food trucks, local vendors and entertainment.