On Sunday September 30, Adopt-A-Dog held the 20th annual “Puttin’ On the Dog” show and festival in Greenwich, CT. For those who don’t know lower Westchester, NY, Greenwich, CT is just about 15 minutes Northeast of White Plains, NY.

Adopt-A-Dog has been around for 26 years. It is located in New York, but it was incorporated in Connecticut. They have a full-service kennel in Armonk, NY which allows for temporary shelter for homeless dogs and cats. Adopt-A-Dog has evolved into not-for-profit rescue/adoption service. The festival is a fund-raiser as well as an event that helps to raise awareness and “exposure” for the animals awaiting adoption.

Due to working commitments, I arrived rather late in the day with Jade and Tundra in tow – Buddy declined to attend as he is not friendly with dogs he doesn’t “know.” My dogs inhibited my progress. Several photographers all decided the two white dogs were too tempting and I had to stop for several photo-ops. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to take photos myself, but I spied a whippet walking away with a blue ribbon and spent some quality time with looking at the vendors.

I also couldn’t resist purchasing a magnificent book by Scott Ian Barry on Wolves. Barry, an award-winning photographer, spent 30 years compiling the photographs that comprise Wolf Empire. Mr. Barry spent some quality time with Jade and Tundra and autographed my copy of the book which I can't put down - the photos are so breathtaking. Each photo is accompanied by a commentary about the circumstances that lead to the photograph. Integrated into the narrative are his observations about wolves and their behavior.

Some of the vendors that supported the event with booths deserve a particular mention:

Coffee Labs – Move over Starbucks, in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, it’s Coffee Labs hands down for first rate gourmet brew and local entertainment. Located right next door to the famous Tarrytown Music Hall, it is a favorite hot-spot for socializing and lattes on a Saturday night. Their coffee is so popular that it is now a favorite at several Whole Foods stores in Westchester, NY – particularly White Plains. I for one am addicted. Also, dogs are welcome and gourmet treats for your canine friend are available while you enjoy your cup of Joe.

The Cultivated Canine offers “etiquette coaching” for dogs including private in-home training and boarding with training for toy breeds (on a case by case basis only.)

The Port Chester Obedience Training Club - Contrary to its name, the training club is located in White Plains, NY on Ferris Ave near the White Plains train station. They offer canine “good citizen” classes, therapy dog certification, breed handling, flyball and agility.

Choice Pet Supply - located in Hartsdale, NY as well as Greenwich, Norwalk, Stamford, and Danbury CT – is a favorite of pet lovers in lower Westchester. They feature organic and holistic foods for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, ferrets, and any other companion animal you can think of.

Near and dear to my heart was Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue – I don’t know that much about this particular rescue group, but I know from having them as pets that Siberian Huskies present a particular challenge. They are “escape artists” and very high energy dogs. The results is that they can easily get lost and are also often relinquished to rescue organizations because of their independent spirit.