Remember Sugar? She’s been to a few Birkdale Village adoption events in the past. Sugar came to Project HALO from a puppy mill bust in Denver about a year ago. She is really sweet (just like her name) and loves belly rubs.

Patches is Sugar’s sister. She loves playing with toys and she loves the camera.

Peanut is just silly. He’s a very active dog and could be a perfect dog for all of you training for 5K races this spring.

And for the good news of the day, Brandy is not available because she is ADOPTED.

Meet Joy. She is a great dog with a really kind face. I even had a hard time not giving her treats.

All of these dogs along with some others can be found on the Project HALO website. Feel free to fill out an application if you would like to volunteer at an event or even foster.

Meet Calvin. He’s a senior dog with lots of spunk.

Here’s Hazel. She’s the first Chinese Crescent-Pug mix I have ever met or photographed. She is warm to the touch and loves to near you.

 You might remember this dog from some of the Birkdale Village adoption events. Rufus is the best. He loves toys that squeak and lots of head rubs. He’s a lover for sure!

Try and say no to that little face. Cletus, another Chinese Crescent-Pug mix, is all personality and LOVES to cuddle like it is no one’s business.

Cassidy was adopted out last night to a really cute family. Congrats!

Dutchess is another one you might have seen before as well. She is actually the sister of Rufus. She’s a medium sized lab mix, very mellow and great with kids too!

If you are interested in adopting any of these available dogs, please contact Project HALO.

Another adoption event and also a microchip clinic will take place this Saturday January 23rd at Birkdale Village in Huntersville, NC from 11:30am-2:30pm. Hope to see you there!

Did I mention that his Christmas sweater was almost as cute as him? Nothing makes my holiday brighter more than to see a dog in a forever home. Thank you to everyone who has adopted a furry friend this past year.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” ~ Roger Caras

A few weeks ago, I helped out at a Project HALO adoption event at Birkdale Village. The day started out cloudy with a few showers on the way. I got to the event to find out they were short staffed so after snapping pictures, I jumped at the opportunity to hold a leash and find my new friend a home. I asked the normal questions; how old is the pup? What is his name? And where did he come from? But this time, the last question was the one that took the longest and with reason.

Nacho was turned over to a Greenville, SC shelter and was set to be put down on a Monday. HALO sent information to have him released, and so his new sentence moved to Wednesday. HALO didn’t hear back until that Friday that Nacho was ready to be picked up – escaping death three times. HALO thought it would only be fitting to rename the dog, Chance.

Chance was different to me. Not only his coloring, but his attitude. Being only eight months, he was more of a dog than a puppy. He was calm. He sat to be petted or given attention. He loved his ears rubbed or just to be walked on a leash. He was polite and he reminded me of my friend’s dog named Katie. The lightbulb went off. I walked Chance over to meet my buddy and it was love at first site. They both fell in love and so adoption process began.

A week later and Chance not only has a new home, but a sister who could be his twin. Chance is a Catahoula or leopard dog. He loves his new dog bed, long walks with his new family and kids. He is my Friday Fave because who doesn’t love a happy ending. I am so proud to have been a part of the process of placing a dog into a loving home with a owner who takes chances all the time. This Chance happens to be my favorite.

Hope everyone has a super weekend and if it’s a long one for you, have a great extra day off. Happy Friday!

Founders Hall, Bank of America Corporate Center

“The purpose of the Expo is to give exposure to eight local Animal Welfare organizations, to raise funds for those organizations, to find animals furever homes, and bring awareness to the public of the tremendous pet overpopulation issue and the importance of spaying, neutering, and adopting.” – Allison Smith

I got to the Pet Expo at 10:30am and by 12:30pm, all 300 goodie bags were gone. A huge crowd turned out to support such a great cause, and who’s kidding – - to see all the cute animals.

I had the chance to not only take pictures of the event, but also participate with a table display. I made a little brag book that held about ten pics from recent pet shoots and also handed out cards with attached dog treats.

 Overall, the event was a success. Many applications where filled out for the available dogs for adoption and all the money raised was split between the organizations that attended. I had a great time meeting lots of awesome volunteers and also some really nice photographers as well. Can’t wait to see this event grow even more next year.

The best news from the day, one pup named Charlie, found a new home.

Here are a few other pictures from the event. Don’t forget to head over to Birkdale Village in Huntersville this weekend for another adoption event from 11:30am-1:30pm near the Starbucks.

Here’s Darla – or Dar Dar – she’s such a pretty girl with the cutest spots on her legs.

Here’s Vinnie – or Mini Vinnie! He’s such a sweet boy.

More dogs and also some adoption stories coming soon!

Her little mouth is so a-dor-able!

I swear she is smiling in the one above – she is such a happy dog.

Just try and say no to that face – I double dog dare you.

There is a Project HALO event today if you can join.

Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm, Location: Wachovia Atrium Street: 301 South Tryon Street, City/Town: Charlotte, NC

Here’s a pic of some of the wonderful volunteers with Project HALO from the last adoption event. Laura and her hubs not only volunteer their time at events, but they were also the foster parents for Nugget. Notice I said were the foster parents – Nugget is headed to a new home for a overnight trial – so cross those paws that it is a forever home for this great pup. Thanks to everyone at Project HALO for everything you do and your wonderful volunteers.

p.s. Special thanks goes out to Laura’s husband who makes Fluffy look so manly!