Shop hosts fundraisers to benefit rescue groups (SunSentinel Article)

This article is from the SunSentinelBy Beth Feinstein-Bartl, Special Correspondent

September 6, 2013

Not all the dogs coming to David Neuwirth's store are looking for treats or toys. Some want a loving home.

Neuwirth, owner of Harlo's Healthy Pets in downtown Hollywood, is working to make that a reality by hosting fundraisers for animal rescue groups around South Florida.

"It's my way of giving back to the community," he said.

Harlo's started in 2009 as a delivery service. Since opening the shop in May, he's committed to hosting at least one benefit per month.  

One of the first nonprofits to have an event was South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue, and Get A Life Pet Rescue recently raised dollars and awareness at the store. 

Stacy Narcisse, president of Get A Life, is grateful for the exposure to promote adoption and foster care opportunities.

"It's important and very much needed," she said.

The Plantation-based organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs less than 25 pounds. Money from their fundraiser will go toward veterinarian bills and the holistic dog food diet that's fed to their furry charges, said Narcisse, of Coral Springs.

Get A Life volunteers set up a mini boutique with doggie kimonos, T-shirts, car magnets and tote bags. A pet talent contest was won by Tucker, an 11-year-old border collie and certified therapy dog from Boca Raton that wowed the crowd by stacking multi-colored rings and waving hello.

"These events are great and very informative," said Diane Israel, Tucker's owner. "There's a lot of people out there who don't know about these rescue groups."

Kathy Marriott, a Get A Life volunteer from Davie, has adopted three dogs from the group. The organization has some 25 to 30 dogs in foster care at one time and would like to save more, she said.

"We desperately long for a permanent shelter, a warehouse or a home, where we can house the dogs," Marriott said.

Neuwirth will continue to welcome pet rescue groups. His only requirements are that the organizations be nonprofit and no-kill. In September, there will be two fundraisers — Compassionate Pug Rescue on Sept. 7 and Paws 2 Care Coalition on Sept. 21.                        

For more information, call 954-667-7387 or visit http://www.harloshealthypets.com.

For information on Get A Life Pet Rescue, call 954-629-2445 or visit www.Getalifepetrescue.com.