JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local pups and their owners attended the free annual Barkfest event at Riverside Arts Market Sunday.
There were 70 vendors providing services and goods for pups such as pet adoptions, a dog tricks showcase and the cutest dog contest.
The event is hosted by Jacksonville Business Connections. It is a fun day for dogs and their owners to get out and enjoy activities as well as see what products and services are available to their pets.
Melissa Lampugnano owns Jacksonville Business Connections and has been hosting this event for the last 12 years.
“The purpose is to get the word out there and hopefully get some of these dogs adopted,” Lampugnano said.
News4JAX spoke with one of the vendors Maria Atilano who was at the event supporting bull dogs.
“I am here at Barkfest today to support the Florida Bulldog Rescue, we’re a non-profit and we got volunteers located throughout the state of Florida including here in Jacksonville, we’re trying to raise money to support the dogs that are coming in,” Atilano said.
They support English and French Bulldogs that have been given up or found on the streets. All proceeds go to rehabilitation and rehoming of the dogs.
For more information about the event or if you would like to participate please visit this website.