Got Yappy Hour?

Buddy is a one-year-old Lab mix (photos courtesy of Finding Shelter)

There’s a reason Fido’s called man’s best friend. If you’re thinking about adopting a pet into your own family, the William Way Community Center is hosting a “Yappy Hour” on May 15 (1-4 p.m.) along with Finding Shelter, an animal adoption and foster organization.

“I believe that a world that is more humane to our animals will also be more humane to its LGBT citizens and the population in general,” says William Way Board Member Deb Francesco. “We also know that LGBT adopters and fosters tend to be very successful placements. If you save a shelter animal, believe me, they – in turn – will save you.”

Nobu and Nezu are both five years old

The Sunday afternoon event welcomes dogs, cats – and even rabbits – to the center for adoption. Guests will have the chance to meet with Finding Shelter folks to discuss adoption and foster care opportunities – and to find out how to volunteer to help homeless animals in the community.

Skittles is a four-year-old female Yorkie

“The Community Center is thrilled to build a bridge between pet lovers and the LGBT community,” explains Chris Bartlett, the William Way’s executive director. “Life gets better both for adopted animals and their LGBT parents after a successful adoption, so we want to provide that opportunity to our community. And we’re also thrilled to make connections with the huge community of pet lovers in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.”

Light refreshments will be served at the open house – and pet-friendly vendors will be available to discuss animal care. A lucky guest will also win a gift certificate to Barbuzzo, a lesbian-owned eatery that’s in the running to become the Best New Restaurant in Philadelphia magazine’s “Best of Philly” this year (there’s still time to vote online).

Interested in attending? RSVPs are encourage by calling 215-732-2220.