The North Beach festival goes to the dogs

June 11, 6:21 PMNorth Beach ExaminerLaura Aston

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There is a huge soft spot in my heart for dogs, especially the senior ones. While recovering from serious knee surgery a few years ago, I stayed at my parent’s place. I was bed ridden for months and while my Dad and Step-Mom were out at work and the kids were at school, their 10+ year old dog, Pepper (a Shitzu), kept me company. We bonded, and although she was elderly, blind in both eyes and had trouble walking, she looked out for me as I recovered. She’d stay beside me as I did my rehab exercises and limped around the house. During the nights when the pain prevented me from sleeping, Pepper was there, next to me on the bed. And if she was stuck outside my room, she would scratch the door until someone let her in the room. She always managed to lift my spirits.

Every year, the North Beach Festival’s presenter chooses an animal or animal advocacy group to be honored at the St. Francis of Assisi animal blessing. As you can imagine, especially given my experiences, I was thrilled to hear that this year, the festival will honor Muttville, a San Francisco senior dog rescue.

Muttville believes that “every dog should have a happy ending.” The organization arranges care for elderly dogs to either foster, hospice or adoption. There are many reasons why elderly dogs suddenly no longer have homes. For example, their owners might have passed on and the dogs are now displaced. Once rescued, the dogs are groomed, spayed and vaccinated and ready to be adopted. The organization also matches senior citizens with older dogs, unofficially calling the program ‘seniors for seniors.’ Currently, Muttville needs more homes for dogs, volunteers and donations to help keep this program running strong.

The Animal Blessings will take place at 2 pm on both of days of the festival - Saturday June 13th and Sunday June 14th - inside the historic church the St. Francis of Assisi, located at Vallejo and Columbus. I am looking forward to seeing all of the animals there and to help recognize the wonderful work that Muttville is doing.

 What are some other reasons to come to the North Beach festival this weekend? Well, there will be a fashion show, stages with different music (including rock, salsa and swing), discounts at restaurants and much more. I also love the street chalk (Arte di Gesso). And do not miss the Interactive Art for Children on Vallejo.

See you all this weekend and thank you to Muttville, for all great work you do. 

For more info about Muttville: go to their website 

Muttville photos

S.F. nonprofit finds homes for elderly dogs