More Than 5,000 Attendees Expected to Support Fundraiser for Local Pet Rescues as 5th Annual Pookie’s RescueFest Pairs Fur-Ever Homes with Education Maitland, Fl-(January 5, 2013) Presented by The Urban Pet Project, the 5th Annual Pookie’s RescueFest will take place Saturday, January 26 at Maitland’s Lake Lily Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get ready for a day of free community education, meet-and-greets with Central Florida’s favorite canine and feline rescues and a fun-filled day of fresh air in a pet fair atmosphere with food trucks, music and entertainment for adults and children. Net fundraising proceeds from raffled gift baskets and grab bags and donations are distributed equally to the participating rescue groups. Pookie’s RescueFest raised more than $12,000 in 2012 which provided the groups with much needed funds for their ongoing operations. In addition, various non-pet and pet services including pet trainers, sitters, communicators, boarding and veterinary services will be on site to provide information. Natural food and supplement companies’ representatives will also be available to share educational information on pet nutrition and several will raffle off a free year of dog and/or cat food. Homes looking for new family members are in luck as well, said RescueFest co-founder Marcia Sundberg. The rescues provide onsite applications to facilitate the process of scheduling a home visit and completing the adoption process. “Animals being abandoned and/or turned in to local shelters continue to be at alarming numbers due to economic conditions and other causes. This event seeks to increase awareness and impart principles of responsible pet ownership including spay/neutering. Last year’s event featured 36 breed specific and other local rescue groups and resulted in over 65 dogs and cats getting forever homes. Activities include free educational seminars, Kids Zone and playground area, live musical entertainment and a food truck court. A fun-filled day for the whole family!” she stated. The event continues to see increasing success each year, having exposed over 5,000 attendees to the message of animal rescue since its 2007 inception. Loyal community sponsors include Ranger’s Pet Outpost & Retreat, Lake Howell Animal Clinic, gecko CPA Firm, Earthborn Pet Food, Orlando Weekly, Pookie’s Pet Nutrition, Urban Pet Magazine and Center for Animal Therapies. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Pookie’s RescueFest is presented by The Urban Pet Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose goal is to provide relief for Central Florida rescues in need. All donations are tax deductible. For additional information, contact rescue@pookiesbowwowbakery.com or call 321-287-0390. www.pookiesrescuefest.com or www.facebook.com/pookiesrescuefest