Puppies and paddles this Sunday

BREC hosts the second annual Puppies and Paddles at Milford Wampold Memorial Park this Sunday noon-4 p.m.

At the event, families with furry — and non-furry — kids can rent a kayak for a beautiful afternoon boat ride. While families will paddle themselves around the lake, BREC’s outdoor adventure staff will be stationed on shore and on the water to assist. Boat rides are $5.

“This event is unique because it is catered to dog lovers,” BREC outdoor program coordinator Erin Sullivan says. “ It’s a day of fun in the sun, on the water with man’s best friend.”

The event benefits man’s friend, too. In addition, Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge (FOTA) has created a fun dog day afternoon. The event also includes adoptable puppies and dogs from FOTA, toys and treats from Neighborhood Pet Market, food from Rice & Roux, information from Spay Spa and special promotions from Camp Bow-wow.

Proceeds from the boat rides and vendor sales benefit FOTA. For more information, contact Erin Sullivan at 272-9200, ext. 559.

These are among the FOTA dogs who will benefit from this event and may even be in attendance and available for adoption.

At age one, Ginny weighs a fit and trim 30 pounds. That means this terrier mix is the perfect size dog — not too big and not too small. This alert and inquisitive pup has loads of youthful energy, and she’s always on the lookout for outdoor games and adventure. Ginny likes to stay in shape by taking long walks and by romping with a canine buddy, either in the yard or at the park. This active, fun-loving girl definitely needs plenty of mental and physical activity. She would probably even enjoy taking classes in agility and obedience classes. Ginny already responds to “sit” and — with continued training in doggie manners — this clever girl is destined to become an ideal family member. For more information, contact her foster at 773-9520 or [email protected].

Bruce is a one-year-old, long-legged Labrador retriever with a lustrous onyx coat. True to his breed, Bruce has a friendly and playful personality and an expressive face that makes him appear to be always smiling. Bruce is beautiful to watch as he rockets around his play yard, pausing to sit statue still with back as straight as a soldier as his nose sniffs the air for neighborhood news. He returns high stepping in the grass like a wading bird in shallow waters. In his foster home, Bruce’s best buddy is his beagle foster brother, and he leads a parallel and peaceful coexistence with the resident cat. His foster reports he has no bad habits, is housetrained and only chews items that are offered to him — toys and treats. Bruce is the quintessential lab that will delight an adopter who has owned labs in the past, or convert a new owner to a lab lover. For more information, contact his foster at [email protected], or call the FOTA House at 239-7368.

Rachel is a two-year-old coonhound mix, who is housebroken, crate and leash-trained and knows some basic obedience commands. This gentle girl gets along with all people and other dogs. She’s happy being close to her humans, loves going for neighborhood walk and hikes in the woods exploring things as hounds do. For more information, contact Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender at [email protected] or call 366-7277.

Flurry is a fabulous family dog. She’s playful, gentle, affectionate and highly sociable. Flurry gets along well with other animals and with people of all ages. Best of all, this super-smart girl is already housetrained. A graceful athlete and head turner, Flurry is already full-grown at a neat and compact 39 pounds, so she’s just the right size for both walking on leash and snuggling on the sofa. For information, contact her foster at 335-5921 or [email protected].

Daphne weighs a soft and cuddly 10 pounds. At barely three months old, this rat terrier/Bernese Mountain dog mix is busy, inquisitive, and positively irresistible. Don’t just be mesmerized in by those big brown eyes! Like all puppies, this little canine cutie will need regular exercise, lots of chew toys and plenty of patient, positive training, to grow up happy and healthy. If you have the love and devotion needed to invite this beautiful tricolor puppy into your life, please contact her foster at [email protected] or text 333-7942.

Bernie is a three-year-old boxer/Staffordshire mix, who enjoys the company of adults and other dogs. Bernie knows a few basic obedience commands and walks fairly well on a leash. He still needs some basic training on doggie manners; but, he’s a smart boy and catches on quickly. Bernie is a big, playful, goofy boy. He’s sweet natured, calm and eager to please. For more information, contact Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender at [email protected] or call 366-7277.

All these dogs and puppies have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs and puppies are available through Friends of the Animals, or by calling 239-7368.