Day of dogs, cats

Burbank resident Crystal Brockel took a picture of Pugsley the pug as he stood on his hind legs wagging his tail at her.

She was considering adopting the dog.

“I want to right now, but I have to finish school first,” she said, adding that she owned a pug before. “I’m having puggy withdrawals. When you are having a bad day, they make you feel better.”

Puglsey was one of thousands of homeless dogs and cats ranging from mixed to pure breeds that were available for adoption on Sunday at Johnny Carson Park.

The Best Friends Animal Society’s annual spring pet adoption festival featured a variety of pets from more than 60 animal rescue groups and shelters in the Los Angeles area.

“This event gives us exposure and lets people know that this is a way to meet some animal they may want to adopt,” said Caryn Casey, a volunteer at the Burbank-based Pacific Coast Dog Rescue.

One of the participating groups was Little Angels Pug Rescue.

Both mixed and purebred pugs huddled together in an enclosure as visitors stopped to take a look at the wrinkly faced canines.

“Pugs are really popular,” said Sergio Soto, a volunteer at Little Angels Pug Rescue. “They bring in a bigger crowd.”

Those interested in adopting the dogs must complete an application and go through a screening process, Soto said.

In another area of the park, the Santa Monica-based Karma Rescue had about 40 dogs awaiting adoption.

Luna, a 4-year-old German Shepherd, barked when she saw other dogs. But Sam and Karl, 1-year-old mixed shepherds, sat quietly next to each other and got the attention of Bill Montgomery.

“I like their personalities,” Montgomery, a Santa Clarita resident, said.

He was looking into adopting the two dogs.

“I’m looking for friendliness, affection, obedience and playfulness,” Montgomery said.

The event also included vendors selling pet supplies, a raffle and a shelter dog parade. Shelter representatives brought the animals to a platform and introduced them to potential adopters.

Attendees also listened to stories of how some of the animals ended up in shelters and rescue groups.

Kira, a 1-year-old American bulldog mix from the Downtown Dog Rescue, was neglected and abused.

“This dog was in south Los Angeles,” said Lezle Stein, a volunteer at the Downtown Dog Rescue. “We found her almost dead in a field. Somebody dumped her and she got in a fight.”

Cats and rabbits also had a chance for adoption.

Volunteers from the county’s cat rescue groups and animal shelters brought dozens of cats and rabbits. And the city of Los Angeles Animal Services had about 35 rabbits that were ready to go to permanent homes.

“Bunnies are the most popular pet in America next to dogs and cats,” volunteer Vivian Edmondson said. “They are litter box trained.”