On Oct. 13, Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty teamed up with Pet Alliance Orlando and hosted their very first Homes for Dogs Project at Crescent Park in Laureate Park. The primary purpose was to get pets adopted along with raising money for Pet Alliance. Kristen Ackley, who is in charge of business development at Coldwell Banker Realty, said they wanted to keep the event hyperlocal. There were about seven vendor tents at the event and 20 sponsors in total, all of which were local to Lake Nona.
The event lasted from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and had a lineup of events. The activities included a DJ, bounce house, pet costume party, vendors, charity raffle, prizes, face painting, doggie treats, and a doggie kissing booth. There was also a scheduled food truck on site.
Coldwell Banker has three offices in Florida and one is in Lake Nona. “We’re really passionate about animals. Our agents will bring in their dogs in the office all the time … it’s almost like pet therapy,” says Ackley. As a national corporation, Coldwell Banker held “Homes for Dogs Project” events throughout the nation.
Pet Alliance had 10 dogs available for adoption on site. They varied in sizes and ages. Some were mixed breeds and some were pure breeds. Two puppies at the event were taken from a shelter in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Kathy Burns, director of shelter operations at Pet Alliance said, “They were not even kenneled. They were out loose in the dirt … there’s been ongoing issues since the hurricane last year. We’ve brought in over 100.”
In order to be eligible to adopt a dog, Burns says one must open their heart and home to accept a new “furry family member.” The dogs’ prices ranged from $75 to $300 and they came microchipped, vaccinated and spayed or neutered.
Lake Nona resident Ada Baxter said, “This is actually an awesome event because I know there are a whole bunch of dog owners in the area.” She came with her son in hopes of finding a dog to adopt. Baxter also said she was satisfied with the selection she had to choose from.
The director of business development at Coldwell Banker, Nancy Gretz, said three dogs were taken home. Gretz was also the event coordinator for the project. “A home is not a home until it’s filled with love. Connecting the community and helping dogs find a forever home is my passion,” says Gretz. She added that they plan to have another “Homes for Dogs Project” next year as they intend on making it an annual event.
If anyone did not get the chance to stop by, go to petallianceorlando.org and check out the pets that are available for adoption. Their Orlando location is at 2727 Conroy Rd., 32839, across from The Mall at Millenia. If one is interested in becoming a sponsor at the next “Homes for Dogs Project,” contact Nancy Gretz at Nancygretz@gmail.com.
