Volunteers present adoptable dogs from the Flagler Humane Society during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
A group of adoptable puppies takes a nap between appearances during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Rich Carroll
Flagler Humane Society Executive Director Amy Carotenuto and Nexus Center Adult Program Coordinator David Hanak helped organize and host the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Rich Carroll
An attendee meets one of the adoptable dogs during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Courtesy photo / SMART Flagler
Volunteers present adoptable dogs from the Flagler Humane Society during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
Flagler Humane Society Volunteer Coordinator Molly Brady presents an adoptable puppy during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
An attendee meets one of the adoptable dogs during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
An attendee meets one of the adoptable dogs during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
An attendee meets one of the adoptable dogs during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
An attendee meets one of the adoptable dogs during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. The event gave visitors an opportunity to interact with dogs from the Flagler Humane Society while learning about pet adoption. Photo by Dan Medeiros.
Volunteers present adoptable dogs from the Flagler Humane Society during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
Volunteers present adoptable dogs from the Flagler Humane Society during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
Flagler Animal Services Animal Services Supervisor Katie Share demonstrates safe ways to approach and interact with dogs during an educational presentation at the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
Volunteers present adoptable dogs from the Flagler Humane Society during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
Volunteers present adoptable dogs from the Flagler Humane Society during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Photo by Dan Medeiros
SMART Flagler Director Caroline Johnson holds adoptable rescue dogs during the inaugural Dog Show at the Nexus Center in Bunnell on Sunday. Courtesy photo / SMART Flagler
The first-ever Dog Show at the Flagler County Public Library's Bunnell Library at the Nexus Center turned into more than just an afternoon of entertainment Sunday. According to the Flagler County Public Library, approximately 200 people attended the inaugural event, which also generated more than 20 adoption applications for the Flagler Humane Society, giving many of the featured dogs a chance to find their forever homes.
Hosted by the Bunnell Library at the Nexus Center in partnership with the Flagler Humane Society, the free event featured adoptable dogs strutting across the floor in a Westminster-style showcase while families learned about pet adoption, responsible dog ownership and local rescue organizations. The event also included refreshments, raffles, educational presentations and opportunities to meet dogs from both the Flagler Humane Society and SMART (Saving Missing Animals Response Team) Flagler.
For David Hanak, adult program coordinator at the Nexus Center, seeing the event come together was especially rewarding because it began as his own idea.
"I'm a huge animal lover, especially dogs," Hanak said. "All of these dogs need homes, and I know the Flagler Humane Society is doing everything they can to get these dogs adopted. I figured I could absolutely help."
The idea had been months in the making. During opening remarks, Flagler Humane Society Executive Director Amy Carotenuto credited Hanak for approaching the shelter earlier this year about hosting the event, thanking both him and the Nexus Center for making it possible. She also recognized Seagate Homes, which sponsored every Flagler Humane Society adoption fee during the event, removing one of the biggest barriers for prospective adopters.
Hanak served as master of ceremonies, introducing each dog with its personality traits, favorite activities and adoption information while encouraging attendees to consider bringing one home. Throughout the afternoon, dogs ranging from playful puppies to gentle senior companions took turns walking the "runway," followed later by a lighthearted costume parade that drew laughs from the audience.
"It was a lot of fun," Hanak said. "I enjoy being in front of everybody. I enjoy showing off these beautiful dogs. I hope that all of these dogs get adopted."
Carotenuto said the event exceeded expectations both in turnout and enthusiasm.
"It was fun. It was a good turnout, and hopefully we're going to do it again next year and just grow every year," she said.
She explained that the shelter selected dogs that were friendly and comfortable around other dogs and crowds, while additional adoptable animals were featured through videos displayed during the event.
"These are some of our most friendly dogs," Carotenuto said. "We had mostly big dogs, a couple of little ones mixed in, our puppies, so a little bit of everybody."
The event also highlighted the work of SMART Flagler, which brought about 10 adoptable dogs, including puppies rescued through a recent large-scale animal rescue case.
Caroline Johnson, director of SMART Flagler, said the organization was invited just a week before the event and immediately embraced the opportunity.
"We came out with a kissing booth to kind of bring a little fun and smiles to the event," Johnson said. "We're just hoping to connect with people that will support us, support the Humane Society and SMART, and adopt dogs."
Johnson said the event also demonstrated how the Flagler County community consistently rallies around animals in need.
"We have an amazing community for the animals," she said. "Whether it's coming out to events, volunteering, people always come together for animals. It's heartfelt. It really is heartfelt."
Johnson also encouraged residents to remain vigilant when they suspect an animal is being abused or neglected.
"With all the recent cases of abuse, neglect and dumping, if you see something that looks out of the ordinary or that needs a checkup, please call," she said. "You can call anonymously and report it. A lot of these dogs are rescued because somebody spoke up. If you see something, say something."
According to the Flagler Humane Society, the event generated more than 20 adoption applications, and many of the dogs featured Sunday are expected to soon begin life with their new forever families. Organizers also hope the success of the inaugural event makes the Dog Show an annual tradition, bringing together local animal welfare organizations and the community to help even more pets find loving homes.
