During that time I was recovering from a serious accident that shattered my right knee – I couldn’t walk for about six months and my golden retriever Scout was my constant companion. As my health improved I was eager to do something for Scout and his four-legged friends.
That’s when the idea to create Doggie Street Festival was born - it was repayment to Scout for his loyalty and friendship to me in the worst of my times.
Three years have passed since that day and we are approaching the 4th Annual Doggie Street Festival on Sunday June 10, 2012 at Robb Field in San Diego and expanding the event to Los Angeles on Sunday June 24, 2012.
Over the past 3 years hundreds of doggies have gone home with new families on Festival Day fortified with helpful information that enables improved care and increased awareness about adoption.
DSF has brought together the rescue community with adoptable doggies, veterinarians, pet professionals, trainers, health & nutrition experts and the public by the many thousands - alongside our invaluable Sponsors, Vendors and Media Partners, (without whose support this would be impossible) together we have made a tangible difference.
I can’t say it’s been easy to organize a high profile public service event. There are endless obstacles to overcome, details, permits, porta potties, insurance and parking to contend with - countless anxious days filled with funding concerns – and sadly this year my sweet inspiration Scout died from Cancer on Valentines Eve. So I will celebrate him and dedicate Doggie Street Festival 2012 to his memory.
Pets join us on our life journey, they adapt to our routines, they capture our hearts, they stir our humanity, they help us deal with our tragedies and if we are lucky they inspire us to reach beyond our grasp and become better humans. Scouts life truly inspired my own.
Jude Artenstein is a San Diego based filmmaker and the founder/organizer of www.doggiestreetfestival.org
Photo by Tina Nomura, Lionsbrow Photography
