Puppy Fest Comes To Morris County

Twelve years and running strong, the Eleventh Hour Rescue organization is holding their annual Puptoberfest in Morris County this Saturday, giving people a chance to fall in love with a rescue while celebrating man's best friend.

All pups, and their human friends, are invited to take part in this celebration of dog rescue. About 3.9 million dogs enter shelters every year in the United States, according to the ASPCA, but only about 1.2 million of those furry creatures are welcomed into the warm hearts of a new family. Sadly, about a third of those sheltered dogs end up being euthanized.

According to New Jersey's 2014 Animal Intake and Disposition Survey, about half of the dogs taken in by shelters across Morris County are adopted, a statistic more promising than the national average published by the ASPCA. Rain or shine, come Saturday Eleventh Hour Rescue is going to celebrate the connection between humans and their furry friends, while raising money to keep their efforts going.

Puptoberfest attracted over 5,000 animal lovers last year and 60 dogs found a new home. Eleventh Hour raised approximately $45K during last years event, giving them much-needed funds to continue their operation. The rescue, based in Morris County, is a primarily volunteer-based, no kill rescue that saves animals on Death Row from high kill shelters. The team of volunteers and staff give animals that would've been euthanized at other shelters a second chance at life, without discrimination based upon breed, age, or medical condition.

The event is open for humans and dogs alike, with goodie bags available for early birds, live music, vendors, raffle, dog contests, and many other activities for the whole family. Admission is $5 for each individual or $10 per family. Puptoberfest happens on Saturday, September 17, from 11 AM to 5 PM, at Horseshoe Lake, 72 Eyland Avenue, in Succusunna. If your'e thinking about adopting, you can complete an application in advance here. Please send any questions to puptoberfest@ehrdogs.org.