Botanical Gardens & Awesome Paws rescue team up for 'Bloom and Bark' rescue event

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Press Release & Photo

For the first time, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and Awesome Paws Rescue will present “Bloom and Bark,” a family-friendly and dog-friendly pet rescue event welcoming over a dozen local rescues, several pet-focused vendors, food and drink vendors and more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20. Various rescues will be on site throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public to attend, and the Botanical Gardens will be open for its “Butterfly Experience,” which is included with paid admission. “Bloom and Bark” is sponsored by Earthwise Pet.

“Bloom and Bark” will provide the Western New York community the opportunity to come together to support local rescues, celebrate nature, support local businesses and the possibility of finding a new home for local rescue pets like dogs and cats. Attendees can also relax and unwind with beverages from Resurgence and Big Dog Coffee; delicious bites to eat from Anderson's, which will provide free pup cups with purchase; and Marlee and Me Photography, providing puppy portraits for attendees and their new adoptable friends. The Botanical Gardens will also offer a free butterfly craft activity for guests to participate in.

Participating rescues include: Allie & Pals Rescue, Empire Animal Rescue Society, Nickel City Canine Rescue, All-Star Animal Rescue, Buffalo Underdogs Rescue, 7 Hearts Maternity, Queen City Pitties, Buffalo Cares, Awesome Paws Rescue, Buffalo City Animal Shelter, Ten Lives Club, West Side Cat Rescue, 716 Paws, Rescue Buffalo, The Pit Chic and Buffalo Greyhound.

Additional vendors in attendance include: Buffalo Freeze Dry, Mel’s K9 Café, Barks N Meows, SandDancer Canine Swim Therapy and Fitness, Sit ‘n Stay Dog Training, Earthwise Pet and Chocolate Hugs.

"We're so excited to bring this adoption event to our community, and hope to find wonderful homes for so many amazing dogs and cats and hope to continue the event annually! We hope people will enjoy all of the blooms and the barks!" said Margaret Phillips, vice president of engagement for the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

Taylor Hodges, an Awesome Paws Rescue board member, said, “We could not be happier to partner with the Botanical Gardens on such an amazing event! This is a great way to support all the rescues in our community, as well as great small businesses. We hope everyone has a great time, and we look forward to working together to keep bringing this to everyone for years to come.”

The “Bloom and Bark” event is free and open to the public. Tickets for admission to the conservatory and the “Butterfly Experience” can be prepurchased online at buffalogardens.com. 

Awesome Paws Rescue is a volunteer-run, no-kill, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs from overcrowded and high-risk shelters – primarily in the southern U.S. – as well as helping local dogs in need. With no government funding, it relies entirely on donations to cover the care, medical needs, and transportation of animals. All of the dogs are placed in loving foster homes in the Buffalo area, where they can adjust to home life, receive individual attention, and rediscover what it means to be safe and loved. Passionate volunteers and foster families are the heart of rescue’s mission, providing the vital bridge from a dog’s past to their forever home. New supporters looking to make a difference are welcome.