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This is the fourteenth year that Tallahassee Magazine has hosted Pets & Their People. The event brings awareness to the Leon County Humane Society, matches families with homeless dogs and gathers pet-supportive businesses and people in Tallahassee.

This year’s event, held on March 17, St. PAWtrick’s Day, was at Proctor Subaru, the venue sponsor again this year. The main event ran from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and hosted more than xx attendees.

In addition to the main event, Puppy Yoga, led by an instructor from local gym Sweat Therapy, was one of the big hits of the day. The class of 22 attendees at 9 a.m. stretched and balanced as rescued puppies from the Leon County Humane Society scampered, played and snuggled, while a couple furry friends slept on a mat and jacket. There were several people often breaking poses to pet, cuddle and tug-o-war with the pups throughout the session. By the end of the class, there was a grin on every face and a crowd gathered outside the clear bay doors to ooh and awe over the mass cuteness.

During the main event around the sidewalks of the auto dealership, dogs of all sizes led their people around the tables and tents – as they sniffed around meeting other dogs. The live performance of South of Echo filled the background with folk-style covers of favorite hits (with the appropriate original recording of “Who Let the Dogs Out” played during one of the band's breaks).

All noses – wet and dry – were wafted with smells as delicious as the food from brunch sponsor Street Chefs. GVO was the bar sponsor and sold mimosas and Bloody Marys while a Pepsi truck sold sodas and, for the four-legged guests, vitamin-packed puppy water.

The owner of Street Chefs, Rebecca Kelly-Manders, is a new sponsor of the event. When asked why she chose to participate, she explained, “This is not the first pet-adoption event we’ve ever done. We love the Human Society, love the work that they do and are always happy to come out and support them any time again.”

Many attendees, sponsors and vendors were there because of their desire to help the Leon County Humane Society. This year’s table vendors included Bradfordville Paws & Claws, Campus USA Credit Union, Creation’s Care Pet Sitting, Elle Market, Leon County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, North Florida Animal Hospital, Nuberri Frozen Yogurt, Pet Paradise, Pure Barre, Saltwater Seafood, Street Chefs, Tallahassee Nurseries, Tally Cat Café, TMH Animal Therapy, Be the Solution, Buck Lake Animal Hospital, Capital Veterinary Specialists, Killearn Animal Hospital, Oakwood Animal Hospital and Petagon Int’l.

Each vendor had information, snacks and/or giveaways for everyone in the family. Another hit of the event was the Selfitally “fur-family” photo station. Pups of all sizes were boosted up on a table and smiled with their people for a digitally-framed event photo (check on Instagram for #TmagPets as well as the photo library below). Coverage of the event can be seen on Live in Tallahassee and AM Break with Ann and Audra, the event’s two media sponsors.

There was more than $3,500 worth of giveaways donated from AXIOS, Elle Market, Hearth & Soul, Nuberri, Pure Barre Tallahassee, Saltwater Seafood, Sky Zone, Starbucks, Tallahassee Magazine and Tallahassee Nurseries.

The Humane Society was set up inside the car showroom. Young and old dogs were calm, snuggly or playful – all eager to find families to take them home.

Glen and Barbara Doran of Tallahassee have had several adopted dogs, but lost their last one about four years ago. The couple was ready to bring a dog back into their family. Luckily, the Dorans heard about Saturday’s event, they found a puppy that fit both of their wants and adopted her. She hasn’t been named yet, but seeing her curled up in Glen and then Barbara’s arms and the proud grins on the couple’s faces, the success of their story is obvious.

A total of XX dogs were adopted at the 2018 Pets & Their People. Tallahassee Magazine will be presenting a check of the proceeds to the Leon County Humane Society in May.