National Playgroup Rockstars Adoption Event Highlighting Super Social Dogs at Animal Shelters in Rocktober

Iconic musicians join forces with nonprofits Petco Love and Dogs Playing for Life to showcase adoptable dogs

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In a unique collaboration, national nonprofit organization Petco Love is teaming up with Dogs Playing for Life, BOBS from Skechers™, musicians Rick Springfield and Ace Von Johnson, as well as “Doggy Parton”, Dolly Parton’s pet apparel line, to put the spotlight on dogs in 43 animal shelters across the country during National Playgroup Rockstars Adoption events. The events are being held on October 7^th in the heart of Rocktober.

The adoption events will highlight social dogs, “Playgroup Rockstars,” while they are playing harmoniously in groups, so potential adopters can see their personalities shine. For those interested in adopting a Rockstar dog, or duo, at National Playgroup Rockstars Adoption events on October 7^th, adoption fees will be waived. Community members are invited to attend a ‘meet and greet’ and see these dogs play.

Iconic and world-renowned musicians are supporting this one-of-a-kind adoption event designed to find loving homes for these amazing dogs while promoting the importance of playgroups at animal shelters and rescues. L.A. Guns guitarist and Rock Star Ace Von Johnson is passionate about rescuing dogs. “My best friends, Maila, Rufus, and foster Willow, mean the world to me. Adopting my dogs from a shelter was the best decision I could have made. We need to rally as many pet lovers as possible at these Playgroup Rockstars events so they can truly see how wonderful these shelter dogs are, and hopefully they will meet their new best friend.” Von Johnson will be ‘meeting and greeting’ with the rockstar dogs at the adoption event at Williamson County Animal Center in Franklin, TN on October 7th.

Tennessee native and legendary musician, songwriter, and animal lover Dolly Parton, is offering support via her playful line of pet apparel, available at Petco. The international superstar is providing iconic flair from her “Doggy Parton” line for adoptable dogs at Williamson County Animal Center so they can shine bright while being center stage. Award winning musician and Rock Star Rick Springfield has cherished dogs all his life and knows what a difference they make. “Dogs are the real Rock Stars. They have a way of showing you unconditional love and loyalty, but also, they are a blast! These Rockstars will certainly put on a show for you at the adoption events, when they get to play together and enjoy their day.”

Dogs Playing for Life created the unique playgroup shelter dog enrichment program operating with the simple philosophy of “Every Dog, Every Day, Let Them Play!” Their goal – to ensure shelter pets’ positively experience life at an animal shelter, while providing shelter personnel the information needed to help those pets find new loving homes. For people who already have dogs, the Playgroup Rockstars Adoption Event allows you to see these dogs in action and find that perfect match for your existing pet. For those considering adopting two dogs, the teams on the ground can help you find the perfect pair.

“Big dogs often spend longer time periods in shelters waiting to be adopted, especially now. Playgroups create a healthy and mentally stimulating environment for these dogs while showcasing their fun, playful side to potential new families,” said Petco Love President, Susanne Kogut. “Dogs are usually social by nature; they simply love some fun, rough and tumble playtime. I always encourage adopters to consider two canine friends to make life more enjoyable for the pets and people in your household.”

Dogs Playing for Life programming takes place at more than 350 shelters across the U.S. Founder and CEO, Aimee Sadler, began developing the program in 1998, when she observed that large dogs at shelters often never left their kennels due to staffing and volunteer limitations. The nonprofit organization trains animal shelter personnel to assess and integrate dogs into large-dog playgroups properly as a normal part of shelter life. “Events like Playgroup Rockstars allow dogs to have fun with each other and showcase their playful nature and true personalities. When people visit the shelter and see the dogs in action, they can better picture these dogs as part of their family,” said Sadler.

For a list of shelters hosting Playgroup Rockstars Adoption Events on October 7^th, and for more information on the events, visit PlaygroupRockstars.com.

Media Contact:

Crystal Bugary, Petco Love, [email protected]

About Petco Love

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $370 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.7 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Join us. Visit petcolove.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

About Dogs Playing for Life

Founded in 2015, Dogs Playing for Life has been redefining the meaning and importance of quality of life for all sheltered dogs by improving their experience through playgroups and individualized training, resulting in urgent and responsible lifesaving. Since inception, DPFL has introduced playgroups to 356 shelters and counting, who realize an average 6% increase in lifesaving and 38% decrease in length of stay for dogs. Shelters frequently describe DPFL programming as “game changing,” “transformational,” and “the most important thing to happen for shelter dogs.” To find out more, visit dogsplayingforlife.com/ or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.

Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (NYSE:SKX), a Fortune 500® Company based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Collections from The Comfort Technology Company™ are available in over 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through digital stores and over 4,700 Company- and third-party-owned physical retail stores. The Company manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

About BOBS from Skechers

BOBS from Skechers’ charitable collection of shoes, apparel and accessories have improved animals’ lives: over the past eight years, Skechers has contributed more than $10 million to help 1.9 million shelter pets, including saving more than 1.4 million rescued animals in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Japan. It all started in 2011, when Skechers launched a movement to support children impacted by natural disasters and poverty – a cause that has helped the Company donate more than 16 million new pairs of shoes to kids in more than 60 countries worldwide. To learn more about BOBS from Skechers’ commitment to making a difference, visit BOBSfromSkechers.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.