A Night for Rescue Dogs
Hawkers Asian Street Food on East Atlantic Avenue recently hosted a lively “Yappy Hour” to raise awareness about rescue dogs and support local animal organizations. Everglades Angels Dog Rescue and Scoopy Doo’s sponsored the event, and Hawkers even offered a special dog-friendly menu. Every animal in attendance enjoyed free Scoopy Doo’s ice cream, and a portion of the evening’s proceeds went directly to Everglades Angels.
EVERGLADES ANGELS DOG RESCUE
The mission of Everglades Angels Dog Rescue is to end the suffering of abandoned pets through hands-on rescue. Denise Guevara, Vice President of the organization, shared her passion for the work.
“I have been with this company since it began 14 years ago,” she said. Based in Fort Lauderdale, volunteers run Everglades Angels entirely — about 50 in total. De-nise added, “I have four dogs, three of which are rescues. One is a chihuahua and the others are terrier mixes.”
Originally founded to save abandoned animals in the Everglades, the organization has expanded to serve all of South Florida. Every dog and cat receives a full veterinary evaluation before being placed for adoption. Prospective adopters undergo background checks and must provide references. “For the first year, we follow up on the family and the dogs to make sure all is well,” Denise explained.
Everglades Angels also operates Treasures 4 Tails Thrift Store in Delray Beach, where proceeds help cover medical expenses for rescues. As of this article, the organization cares for 27 dogs in Fort Lauderdale, two in Palm Beach, and 31 on Florida’s west coast. Denise proudly noted, “We have saved, as of today, 1,021 rescue dogs.”
To learn more, visit www.EvergladesAngelsDogRescue.org or call 800 511 DOGS. They are also active on Facebook and Instagram.
SCOOPY DOO’S: A LOCAL FAVORITE
Dianna Scotto, owner of Scoopy Doo’s on East Atlantic Avenue, attended the event as a sponsor. She opened the store six years ago with her son Kyle, and it has become a true labor of love.
“I have always had a passion for animals,” she said. Dianna has fostered many rescue dogs over the years.
She describes Scoopy Doo’s as a “Mom & Pop Pet Store,” offering collars, leashes, dog grooming, biscuits, birthday cakes, ice cream, toys, and more. Dianna and Kyle have five additional employees between their Delray Beach and West Palm Beach locations. Their website is www.ScoopyDoosPalmBeach.com, and the phone number is 561 265 5362.
HAWKERS: A COMMUNITY PARTNER
Jasmine Acharya, a Service Manager at Hawkers for the past three years, was on hand for the event. She explained, “Hawkers believes in community-wide events and strongly supports this one. We have so many guests who come to our restaurant and bring their dogs.”
QUOTES FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS
Due to heavy thunderstorms, Ever-glades Angels did not bring any pup-pies for interested families to Hawkers. However, they did bring some a few days later to their thrift store in Delray Beach, and I spoke with four Delray Beach residents who attended.
Monica Bernaducci
“I lost my previous rescue dog named Layla, and one month later my husband Artie and I rescued Bella and fell in love. It took about a month for Bella to feel like this was her home. Bella is sweet, smart, an angel, and loves car rides.”
Lisa Dolack
“As a dog owner, I had three dogs. Blake was a rescue and was my last dog. We had a special bond – the loyalty and love were beyond measure. I went to the shelter with my three daughters and fell in love with Blake. I had ten beautiful, loving years with him. Going forward, I will always rescue first.”
Deanna Stellato
“I had a rescue dog named Chelsea Apple, and I had her for fifteen years. She was the love of my life. It was an instant bond — inseparable. No one should give up on a dog they want.”
Lori Regent
“I have rescued around 40 cats over the years and found homes for them. My last two cats were rescues, and they were brothers. People are aware of rescuing dogs, but there are also cats that need to be rescued. My cats brought me much joy.”
CONCLUSION
There are countless animals waiting to be rescued and welcomed into loving homes. They bring immeasurable joy to the people who adopt them. For anyone considering adopting, Everglades Angels Dog Rescue is a wonderful place to begin the journey.
