![The elusive and rare balloon dog checking out the crowd at the New Leash on Love event, Mill Site Park, Bagdad. [RAMON RIOS\SRPG]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-75d650f6-1d01-2d66-e053-0100007ff602-ac8fdca3-scaled.jpeg)
BAGDAD — A HOPE founder Brandi Winkleman and her all volunteer staff came up with a unique idea for their first New Leash on Love adoption event. They invited 20 local rescues, shelters and animal vendors to Bagdad Mill Site Park to hold a combined adoption and family fun evening.
The Sept. 8 event included dogs and cats for adoption, food, pet photographers, pet paraphernalia, doggy baths, a red carpet walk and a movie (Beethoven) shown on a big screen while attendees sat on blankets in the grass.
"The last I heard, there were five dogs and one kitten in the adoption process," said Paige Cary, public relations specialist for A HOPE.
Attendees were encouraged to bring their own pets to meet and mingle with prospective new family members. Based on the turnout and feedback received the event was a success, said Winkleman.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: A HOPE holds first New Leash on Love adoption event