Yappy Halloween event conjures 1,000 happy tails

October events usually conjure gruesome scenes and scary stories. However, YelpBR!’s second annual Yappy Halloween Run is filled with happy tails—and, er, tales. This month, the non-profit placed its 1,000th canine into a loving, permanent home. All of the formerly homeless hounds were slated for euthanasia at East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control Center (EBRACC).

In its second year of operation, the rescue adopted out 600 canines representing a variety of breeds and ages. Since adoption rates have risen 150% over the prior year, event co-chair Nikki Tanner hopes this year’s event revenue grows proportionally and exceeds the $20,000 raised last year.

On October 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, the YelpBR! hosts a 5K canine-and-companion fun run, one-mile costume stroll with tricks and treats for people and dogs. The festivities include a costume contests, children’s village of activities, a raffle for an LSU-themed Viking grill, food truck cuisine, a police dog demonstration and—of course—adoptions.

The concept for YelpBR! originated from meetings convened by Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) to create No Kill BR, a citywide initiative to insure no healthy adoptable animal is euthanized.

Even before a comprehensive blueprint could be inked, Commercial Properties Realty Trust CEO Carolyn Martin, Petz Plaza owner Michael Hackett and other sponsors devised a plan to showcase shelter dogs at centrally located Commercial Properties sites to make them more accessible to potential adopters.

From the beginning, the organization received support from countless volunteers who staff adoption days, foster dogs and work shifts at the shelter. At first, the group focused on finding homes for dogs in EBRACC’s adoption program. Then, as demand increased, they began culling ill-fated canines from stray dog kennels. In Spring 2010, the rescue’s lifesaving capabilities were exponentially enhanced by the opening of Yelp House, a freestanding 50-dog shelter.

Besides increasing adoptions and decreasing number of dogs dying at EBRACC, Yelp hopes to raise awareness about responsible ownership, the key to keeping canines out of the system in the first place.

As YelpBR!’s 1,000 adoptions attest: Even abused, neglected and abandoned dogs can be rehabilitated when they are placed with the right families. In fact, many owners assert their shelter pets are special because these lucky dogs remain eternally grateful for any kindness they receive. And, what better way to close the book on a homeless dog’s story than with a furry tail ending like that?

For more information and Yappy Halloween Run registration, visit yelpbr.com.

Click here to see some of Yelp’s cute canines available for adoption.

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