Adopt-A-Dog, a shelter and rescue organization, cares for unwanted or abandoned dogs in need, and works to find them loving homes. The organization was established in 1981 and has its headquarters in Greenwich as well as a shelter in Armonk. Adopt-A-Dog will hold their annual Puttin’ On The Dog event on Sept. 18 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Greenwich Lifestyle caught up with Courtney Bellew, executive director of Adopt-A-Dog, to learn more.
GL: How did you get your start with Adopt-A-Dog?
CB: I learned of Adopt-A-Dog many years ago when I first started my own rescue. They were one of the few shelters in the local area and I was happy to learn there was an organization saving dogs so close to home. I was asked to come in as the executive director in March of 2021, as Adopt-A-Dog was without one at the time and had a shelter full of long-term resident dogs. It was my mission to get these dogs placement, as I don’t believe shelters are a long-term solution for rescued dogs.
GL: What do you do on a regular basis?
CB: In rescue, every day is different, and you always need to be prepared for curve balls! For the most part, I am overseeing and managing all the different aspects of Adopt-A-Dog on a daily basis; everything from actually rescuing the dogs, our adoptions and foster programs, making sure everything at the physical shelter is running smoothly, employee management, vet visits.
GL: What do you enjoy most about your job?
CB: Hands down, it’s seeing the dogs go to their forever homes! These dogs are coming from shelters where they are about to be euthanized, or situations where they have been abused and neglected. Some of the dogs at Adopt-A-Dog had been here for 5-8 years before I got them placed. Seeing these dogs leave with their foster and forever families makes it all worth it. Even on the stressful days when we rescue people feel like we can never make a dent, seeing a dog go home always gives me the motivation to keep going.
GL: How long has Puttin' On The Dog been going on?
CB: This will be our 35th year doing Puttin’ On The Dog which is amazing. We missed one year due to Covid, but 2021 was a huge success.
GL: What is the main goal of the event?
CB: The main goals are to raise community awareness, showcase dogs and cats for adoption and fundraise to help continue our mission at Adopt A Dog! The event can truly be enjoyed by anyone! We have great food, great vendors, lots of adorable adoptables, kids activities, music, and lots of fun for everyone!
