Rescue Dogs + Subaru + 60,000 People = Unforgettable Week
🐾✨ Something New for This Post! ✨🐾
This time around, we’re switching things up—you’re getting two perspectives instead of one! 👀
Both Doug and Mark had totally different experiences during this transport, and we thought it would be fun (and maybe a little entertaining 😅) to share both sides of the story.
Same journey, two voices, and a whole lot of heart. ❤️
Let’s dive in…
Doug's POV
On Saturday, April 27th, we had the absolute privilege of spending the afternoon with an amazing “senior pitizen” named Yoyo at the Subaru Loves Pets adoption event, held at the Subaru exhibit inside the Jacob Javits Center during the NYC International Auto Show.
To say Subaru loves pets is an understatement—they truly go all out for them. Right in the heart of the Auto Show, Subaru created a stunning forest-themed installation, complete with a treehouse, giving visitors a unique and welcoming place to meet adoptable dogs. (Check out some photos below!) 📸🌳
At the center of this beautiful setup is a large octagonal play area, spacious enough to host four dogs, their handlers, and plenty of guests eager to meet the pups. Subaru's commitment to the rescue community is clear:
- They partner with local rescues at every Auto Show they attend.
- They donate space for adoptable dogs to shine.
- They even staff the area to help with crowd control and cover parking costs for some volunteers.
A huge thank you to Subaru for making rescue dogs the stars they deserve to be! 🌟
Let’s talk about our girl Yoyo—a 10-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier with a heart of gold and a soul full of sunshine. ☀️🐶
Yoyo may be a senior, and yes, she’s showing the early signs of hip dysplasia, but don’t let that fool you—this girl is still full of life. While she might need a boost getting on the couch and prefers short strolls over long hikes, her spirit is unstoppable.
At the Subaru Loves Pets adoption event at the NYC Auto Show, Yoyo shared the spotlight with three rambunctious puppies (two 4-month-olds and one 6-month-old). As expected, the babies grabbed most of the squeals and selfies—but Miss Yoyo knew exactly how to hold her own.
And trust us—there was plenty of love to go around. During our 4-hour shift, an estimated 6,000 people came through, and Yoyo soaked up every pet, cuddle, and scratch behind the ears with grace and gratitude.
One especially endearing moment? When the puppies started getting a little too rowdy, Yoyo let out two commanding barks, like a patient mama laying down the law. Instantly, the chaos calmed. It was both hilarious and heartwarming—and such a Yoyo move. 🐾💬💤
After four hours of being adored, admired, and the unofficial puppy wrangler, Yoyo was completely wiped out. She made her way to the car, climbed into the backseat, stretched herself out across the whole thing, and immediately fell into a deep, satisfied sleep. 😴
The ride home? Thirty minutes of soft snoring and sweet dreams. And honestly, there’s nothing better than the sound of a rescue dog snoring after a great day full of love and hope for a forever home.
Yoyo may not be the youngest dog in the room, but she brings the kind of warmth and wisdom that only a senior rescue can. 💛
Could her perfect family be out there reading this? We sure hope so.
Mark's POV
It was an amazing event, and everyone was super excited the whole time. The staff helped with moving the crowd, and our SCR coordinator kept track of how long the public had in the puppy corral. With an extra pair of hands and a big, projecting voice, I managed to fit in!
With everyone’s eyes on us and the puppies, I saw a chance to introduce ourselves and answer questions. Why are there puppies here? Are they rescues? Are they adoptable? YES! Let me tell you… and I quickly came up with a short pitch to give everyone the important details in a few words. We had about a 3–5-minute turnover rate, so I tried to give my pitch every 5 minutes as the crowd changed or I could catch eyes with interested parties.
“Hello!! We are NYC Second Chance Rescue, and we have about 100 animals in our care in total, including rescue dogs… and cats, I always forget the cats! If you’re looking to foster or adopt and just visiting the auto show today, don’t let distance stop you putting in your application – we foster and adopt within a six-hour radius of NYC. Not ready to foster or adopt – we can use volunteers! Help with events (like this one), social media, transporting, admin/application review… we need you too! Please scan our QR code now and get more info and donate. Thank you for visiting and come get in line to visit the 4 dogs we have here today!”
I think my crowd work was successful because I had at least 4 people inquire about volunteering and a few seriously looking into fostering. Every extra volunteer or foster means more dogs get the help and love they need and deserve.
Everyone came to see the puppies, and momma Yo-yo just drew them right over! One of my favorite things at events (besides adoptions of course) is exposure and education. I loved the number of kids AND adults who came through and looked at “the scary pit bull” but after handing them a treat and watching someone else come right up and put their hands near her mouth, they would come over and tentatively walk up, stick out their hands, and have her gummy, tongue-filled mouth envelop their hands in a slightly wet residue as the treats disappeared! A smile would creep out on their face, and they would feel comfortable going in for a pat on the head after that.
I think she was the real hero of the show – she just let everyone pet her, and she didn’t care who. She was such an amazing senior star of our petting zoo at the auto show!
Not what you were looking for? You can adopt a different pet by using our search feature and adjusting the radius. Thank you for helping our animal shelters and rescue groups with pet adoption.
| Name | Zion |
|---|---|
| Adoption Fee | $350.00- Dog Adult |
| Age | 2 years, 2 months |
| Gender | Male |
| Size | Medium |
| Shots up to date | Yes |
| OK with kids | Not Sure |
| Housetrained | Not Sure |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Spayed / Neutered | Yes |
| OK with dogs | Yes |
| OK with cats | Not Sure |
If you have questions about Zion please contact
NYC Second Chance Rescue
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Transporting dogs is our passion but passions come at a cost. With the price of everything increasing, (gas, tolls, supplies, etc) we could use some help! If you can, we would graciously accept some donation assistance. Venmo @dalind31
THANK YOU!!
Thinking it's time to expand your family? Want to explore rescuing a dog of your own?
Check out Second Chance Rescues available pups --> CLICK HERE <--
Thinking maybe fostering is more your speed? --> CLICK HERE <--
Maybe you can't adopt or foster but can help in another way?
To donate to Second Chance Rescue... --> CLICK HERE <-- Every bit helps!
Remember to, #adoptdontshop #becausetheymatter.
There is no love like the love from a rescue! ❤️🐶❤️
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