BUFFALO, N.Y. — Of all the dogs up for adoption at the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, George the 2-year-old pit bull mix has been there the longest. Needless to say, he was very excited to be on a field trip to the Buffalo Barkery on Allen Street Tuesday morning.
"He's a volunteer favorite, he does have energy, but it's good energy," Volunteer Suzanne Laba said. "He's actually very smart and doesn't forget, they spend so much time in the kennel that when they do get out like this it is a true adventure for them."
When George gets adopted, he'll get neutered through the shelter, but many pet parents can't afford the surgery for their dogs.
That's where Laba's organization, Fix A Bull Western New York, comes in.
"When we started this program, we felt that there was a big need in the area especially to spay and neuter bully breed dogs because they are the most overbred," she explained. "They are the most disposable. There is still dog fighting that occurs, and that is the breed that really really needs to sort of curtail the population."
The Buffalo Barkery is throwing a big eclipse-themed fundraiser this weekend to raise money for Fix A Bull.
"We applied for a grant through American Express and Main Street America and we received it and part of it was an event to bring the community together," Co-Owner Maggie Lamparelli said, "We thought it was really important to bring awareness to Fix a Bull. It goes beyond spaying and neutering. Once they're part of the Fix A Bull family, they help with anything that the family needs moving forward."
The Allen Street Eclipse Themed Block Party is happening 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, with plenty of fun for both people and pets.
"For the pets, we have a photo fundraiser with Marlee and Me Photography here, so the dogs or cats that come in will get a photo in front of an eclipse backdrop," Lamparelli said, "Most of the stores on the block are dog friendly as well, so you can bring your dog to these shops to see what everyone else has to offer as well."
Proceeds from the photos and the basket raffle will go to Fix A Bull, to help dogs like George, and their human parents.
"I'm very so appreciative of Buffalo Barkery for doing this for us because again, I don't like spay and neuter is glamorous. It's not as glamorous as rescue," Laba said. "It's not as glamorous as other things but it is so much, so needed, and when people really find out what we do, I think that they really, it's an eye opener for them."
Related Video: