Francesca LeDonne Photo

NYRA hosts Dog Adoption Clinic at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna / Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today offered fans the opportunity to give an animal its forever home during the inaugural Dog Adoption Clinic at Saratoga Race Course.

Approximately 20 adoptable dogs gathered in the backyard and met with fans throughout the afternoon. The clinic, which was hosted in partnership with News 10 ABC and Pet Connection with Steve Caporizzo, resulted in the adoption of four dogs and generated nearly 30 new applications.

Six local animal shelters and rescue groups participated in the inaugural event, including: Companion Animal Placement Program (CAPP); German Shepherd Rescue of NY; Greyhound Rescue of New York; Greyt Companions; Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.); and Saratoga County Animal Shelter.

"We participate in a wide variety of adoption clinics, but it has been a real honor to participate in the very first one at Saratoga Race Course," said Saratoga County Animal Shelter Public Relations Coordinator Karlianna Russell. "This was a lot bigger turnout than we would have at a typical adoption clinic and gave us the opportunity to let residents here in our county and beyond know about the wonderful animals we have available for adoption. We had a lot of interest in the dogs we brought today and we are really happy to have the opportunity to connect with the crowd at Saratoga."

"It was a spectacular event and the perfect weather to be at Saratoga Race Course," said H.O.P.E. Founder Wendy Mongillo. "We've had interest and applications for every single one of the animals we brought today. The volunteers really enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the community and speak directly with those interested in our dogs. We are looking forward to being part of such a great day again next year."

"We are thrilled with the reaction and turnout for today's first-ever dog adoption day at Saratoga Race Course," said NYRA Executive Vice President Gordon Lavalette. "It was great to see four dogs go home with loving families and equally as rewarding to see the large number of applications for adoptions generated this afternoon. We thank News 10's Pet Connection and its partner organizations for joining us today. We look forward to making this an annual event to assist local rescue shelters and organizations find these wonderful pets their forever homes."

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.