Valentine’s open house showcases labors of love

This Saturday, Yelp!BR offers hope for the lovelorn at its first Valentine’s Day Open House. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., experienced matchmakers offer their expertise to help Baton Rougeans find the puppy love of a lifetime.

Besides encouraging the public to interact with its 40 adorable, adoptable animals, the event also gives guests a glimpse of the non-profit’s recently renovated shelter.

Since its inception,Yelp!BR has captured the hearts of Capital City’s canine community. Over the past year and half, the rescue has saved nearly 700 puppies and dogs from being euthanized at East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control.

The concept 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 No Kill agenda could be inked, BRAF’s Commercial Properties Realty Trust CEO Carolyn Martin, Petz Plaza owner Michael Hackett and other sponsors decided to showcase shelter dogs at shopping centers to make them more accessible to potential adopters.

At first, the group focused on finding homes for dogs in EBRACC’s own adoption program. However, as demand increased from local adopters, they began culling ill-fated canines from stray dog kennels.

This past spring, Yelp!BR Executive Director Betty Hullinger collaborated with property owner Joe Greco to establish Yelp! House, a shelter with a 50-dog capacity. More than simply increasing the number of dogs in its program, the shelter permits the quarantine new dogs for treatable illnesses (such as kennel cough), before they become available for adoption. The hounds’ temporary home also features a large play yard for socialization and outdoor kennels that allow dogs to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air.

From the beginning, the organization received support from countless community volunteers who staffed adoption days, foster dogs and work shifts at the shelter. Housed behind Greco’s Pet Supply in an old clinic, Yelp! House has been refurbished by volunteer labor. Most recently, Steve Wesley Construction repaired the roofs over the outdoor dogs runs. While Habitat for Humanity painted the brightly colored interior, Forum 35 members created curb appeal by planting some much-needed color.

The improvements enhance the quality of life for the adoptable animals at Yelp!BR and contribute to a more engaging atmosphere for visitors, volunteers and potential adopters to cavort with the canines.

So, any time you visit Yelp! House, you can be sure: The welcome will always be warm; the noses will be always cold; and, your love will be waiting.

Check out other Yelp!BR events at yelpbr.com or check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

To preview some of the pups available, click here for this week’s Creature Feature.

Click here for this week’s City Lynx.