The Jersey Boys opened the Broadway Barks celebrity presentations with the hit song, Beggin which had Bernadette Peters beggin for more! (photo: Mica Ringo, www.thedogphotographer.com)
Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters hosted the 15th annual Broadway Barks! this past Saturday — a star-studded dog and cat adoption event benefiting New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. Produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, sponsored by the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and additional sponsorship by the New York Times, Barks! took over Shubert Alley in the heart of the Broadway Theater District.
Michael Urie holding a long haired Chihuahua puppy who is up for adoption with its liter mates at Animal Haven. (photo: Mica Ringo, www.thedogphotographer.com)
Marking its 15th anniversary of the organization, Broadway Barks! once again helped hundreds of New York City’s shelter animals find permanent homes by informing New Yorkers about the plight of the thousands of homeless dogs and cats in the metropolitan area. The actual number of pets adopted is still being formulated due to the rigorous review process to ensure that all of Broadway’s four-legged friends find themselves placed in suitable homes.
“The ASPCA is proud to sponsor Broadway Barks as it celebrates 15 years of showcasing rescued cats and dogs,” said Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “This event clearly highlights the joys that animals have to offer, but it’s important that we not forget the larger issue of animal homelessness in this city, where thousands of animals are still at risk each year. This event reminds potential pet owners to make pet adoption their first option.”
“Since 2003, the lives of more than 237,000 dogs and cats have been saved through the combined efforts of the Alliance Participating Organizations, many of which, including Animal Care & Control of NYC, have participated in Broadway Barks over the years,” says Jane Hoffman, president of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. “This spirit of a collaborative community, manifested so clearly in Broadway Barks!, is moving us closer to the day when no New York City dog or cat of reasonable health and temperament will be killed simply because we do not have a home for them. We congratulate Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore for 15 brilliant years of saving lives through Broadway Barks!”
If you missed the event (or didn’t bid high enough to snag your favorite pooch), you can still order a Broadway Barks 2014 Calendar online by clicking here.
Bill Berloni, Lilla Crawford, and Jane Lynch (cast of “Annie”) presenting adoptable dogs from the Humane Society of New York. (photo: Mica Ringo, www.thedogphotographer.com)
