www.TheNewBarker.com 24 THE NEW BARKER In the emerging Grand Central District of St.Petersburg, there is a small shelter dedicated to saving animals from the high kill shelters of Florida. It is hard work, but each year Pet Pal Animal Shelter takes in, rehabilitates, and adopts out over 500 dogs. Ask any of the shelter staff or volunteers, and they will tell you that adoptions are the best part of the job. A lot of care goes into matching the right pup with the right fam- ily. Once a successful match has been made and the adoption papers are signed,families walk out of the shelter and start lives with their new best friend. But each animal will always be a part of the Pet Pal family. This sentiment was the inspiration behind the annual Pet Pal Doggie Reunion. Volunteer Debby Dailey loved seeing each dog find its loving forever home, but she thought it would be wonderful to stay in touch with the families and see the dogs again. Following up on this inspira- tion, Executive Director Scott Daly held the first doggie reunion ten years ago. Each year since,Pet Pal alumni and their families have met at the Fort De Soto Dog Beach to celebrate their unique bond. They learn about the lives and adventures of the dogs they placed into loving homes.At the last reunion, nearly 100 dogs stopped by to visit. It was a special treat to see Cleo romping and playing in the sand.Adopted in 2016, Cleo was on a spe- cial diet for life because of a medical condition.This made her adoption a little harder than most, so when she strutted onto the beach, everyone was thrilled to see her happy and thriving in her forever home. It was also inspiring to see Annie, the senior retriever mix who still loves to come out and mingle with her Pet Pal family. Pet Pal’s Doggie Reunion is a very important tradition for the organization. It sets this shelter apart, cementing the idea of a community and family in the rescue world.The reunion is a time to splash in the water, play fetch, catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Pet Pal Doggie Reunion 2018 October 7 10am to 1pm Fort De Soto Dog Beach 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Saint Petersburg, Florida Pet Pal Animal Shelter is a no-kill, nonprofit shelter. 405 22nd St. S. in St. Petersburg. www.petpalanimalshelter.com Photo is of Willow, a Malamute mix, and Annie, a Golden Retriever mix, greeting a black dog. A Family Affair. Words & picture by Karri Head U Y