Pups 'N' Purrz to host second Spring Fling adoption event

(Originally published in the 3/16/16 edition)

   After a week of rain and cold weather, spring finally appears to be in the air. Why not celebrate the start of the season by adopting a new animal friend?

   Pups ’N’ Purrz will be teaming up with frequent partners Umbrella of Hope for its second Spring Fling Adopt-a-Pet event Saturday. The Pittsburg-based animal rescue organization has had three events with the First Street pet supply store this year, and Pups ’N’ Purrz owner James Long said last year’s Spring Fling was quite successful.

   “About five or six animals got adopted,” he said.

   Both cats and dogs will be available to adopt, and all adoptions are going to be $20 to coincide with the spring equinox falling on Sunday, March 20. Long says this time of year is as good as any for people to pick up a new furry friend.

   “It’s time to get the adoptions going again and get the kennels empty,” he said. 

   Long is pleased that the store continues to do work with Umbrella of Hope.

   “This is the third time they’re coming out this year, and it’s been a success every time they’ve been out here,” he said. “People are coming out and helping them and helping the community.”

   The Spring Fling Adopt-a-Pet will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 19 at Pups ’N’ Purrz, located at 422 First St. For more information, call the store at 748-7433.

True 'puppy love" to be celebrated at adoption event Saturday

(Originally published in the 2/9/16 edition)

   This Valentine’s weekend, you will have the opportunity to bring home a cuddly critter. No, not a teddy bear. It is something better: a living, breathing dog.

   Pittsburg-based animal rescue organization Umbrella of Hope will be partnering with Benicia pet store Pups ’N’ Purrz for its Valentine’s-themed adoption event “Love is All You Need” Saturday.

   Umbrella of Hope and Pups ’N’ Purrz have hosted several events over the years, although Pups ’N’ Purrz Owner James Long says the organization did not come by the store as much last year because of the weather.

   “Now that the weather’s getting a little bit better, in January I asked them ‘When are you guys coming out in February?’” he said. ‘They said ‘How does Feb. 13 work,’ and I said ‘That works fine for me. It’s a Valentine’s weekend.’”

   In honor of Valentine’s Day, all dogs will be available to adopt for $14. Long also says that those who adopt dogs at this event will get a 10 percent discount off their first purchase. 

   Long ultimately hopes that people walk away with a new friend ahead of Valentine’s Day.

   “Hopefully, people will come out and find their new love for Valentine’s Day,” he said. “February is the month of love, and I’m trying to promote Valentine’s Day as well as I can for pet owners. Why can’t humans celebrate Valentine’s Day with their animals?”

   The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13. Pups ’N’ Purrz is located at 422 First St. For more information, call the store at 748-7433.

Pups 'N' Purrz partners with Umbrella of Hope to host last adoption event of 2015

(Originally published in the 12/18/15 edition)

   Those looking to get someone a new a dog for Christmas will have a chance this Saturday when they visit Pups ’N’ Purrz.

   Umbrella of Hope, an animal rescue organization out of Pittsburg, will be holding its last adoption event at the store for the year. The organization has been doing events at Pups ’N’ Purrz since 2013 and has adopted out 46 animals at the store in that time.

   Throughout 2015, Umbrella of Hope has had 271 animals adopted out at various locations. If just four dogs are adopted on Saturday, the organization will have hit the 275 mark.

   Pups ’N’ Purrz owner James Long feels that animals taken in by Umbrella of Hope are in good hands.

   “All their rescues are not in shelters,” he said. “They’re actually being fostered by foster people until they can find the right homes. That way, when somebody adopts the animal, the foster is here and they can tell the people about the demeanor of the animal.”

   With this being the last weekend of the year for adoptions, Long believes now is the time for people to pick up the furry friend they have always wanted.

   “This will be the best chance to pick up the animal that their kids or they want for Christmas,” he said. “The rescue group does a really good job with the rescues, so it’s almost hand in hand.”

   The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at Pups ’N’ Purrz, located at 44 First St. All adoption fees will be waived. For more information, contact (707) 748-7433.