Large Support Shown for Hounds on the Sound

The New Rochelle Humane Society and Pet Rescue of Larchmont hosted their fifth annual Hounds on the Sound walk-a-thon and festival in Glen Island Park on Sunday.

A chance of rain did not stop hundreds of dogs and their owners from walking 1.5 miles around the park to benefit the organizations.

After the walk-a-thon finished, various vendors, food and refreshments, an agility course, children activities and an adoption area were available for attendees and their dogs.

Many dogs adopted from the New Rochelle Humane Society were present at the event, as Dana Rocco, shelter manager of the New Rochelle Humane Society, was able to identify almost every dog that had been taken in by the shelter.

“It’s really nice to see so much support from people who had adopted from the shelter,” she said.

Rocco explained why she volunteers at the New Rochelle Humane Society as opposed to any other animal shelter.

“We take in dogs and cats and nurse them back to health. And unlike a lot of other shelters, we train them,” she said.

Rocco brought her dog Charlie to showcase in the agility course. A demonstration later in the day taught dogs how to zigzag through poles and jump over bars.

“I want Charlie to inspire people that rescue dogs can do the agility course, too,” she said.

Dogs and cats were available for adoption. Animals ranging from babies to seniors were available for potential adopters and attendees to play with, including India the adult Rottweiler from the New Rochelle Humane Society.

Showing off India was volunteer Jon Jankus. He explained why he volunteered at the event and at the New Rochelle Humane Society.

“It’s such an extraordinary place. The staff is professional, the animals are well treated, the kennel is clean, and there are professionals training the animals. You’re not going to get that anywhere else,” he said.

Karen Read of New Rochelle adopted her dog Murphy from Pet Rescue of Larchmont just over a year ago. She walked to show her support of the animal rescue.

“I’m walking to honor dogs that might not have had a chance to be adopted. Murphy was from a kill shelter. Pet Rescue rescued him and gave him a chance to be adopted,” she said.

Money raised from the event benefited the two organizations. A percentage of the money raised went to the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter as well.