BANGOR, Maine — Walking through Husson University's campus on Saturday, you would've been almost guaranteed to see a dog.
Big dogs, small dogs, white dogs, brown dogs, and even some dogs in costumes, all participating in the Bangor Humane Society's annual Paws on Parade event.
"We're always meeting new people, making new connections between people and pets," Paws on Parade Chair Emily Macintosh said.
According to Macintosh, this year's event helped raise more than $115,000 for the shelter through a mix of donations, raffles, and other fundraising promotions.
"These funds give us the ability to go to whatever lengths are necessary to find each pet their forever home," Macintosh said.
President of Bangor Humane Society's Board of Directors Russ Maynard explained how medical, food, and shelter maintenance costs have continued to rise for the organization, but this money would allow them to continue giving their animals the care they deserve,
"We see over 2,000 animals a year at the Bangor Humane Society and our goal is to just find them homes forever," Maynard said.
While fundraising is a large part of the event, Macintosh said one of her favorite things is being able to connect with the owners and pets the humane society has united over the years.
"Sometimes the shelter environment can be really stressful but to see these dogs come out here with their families and they're flourishing and having a blast, and their personalities have had the chance to bloom because of the love that the humane society gave them and the love that their family gave them," Macintosh said.
Owners and pets like Erica Neal and her dog Kiwi.
"She was adopted from the Bangor Humane Society at four months old and now she's 15 and a half," Neal said while cradling Kiwi in her arms.
Since adopting her, the pair has been coming to every single Paws on Parade, meeting more and more animal lovers each time.
"It's nice to see everybody with their dogs whether they're dressed up like each other or the pets are matching together," Neal said.
And one thing Neal said keeps her coming back, is the hope that she can help other animals find loving homes of their own.
"It just gives animals a second chance which I think is important, and what the Bangor Humane Society is doing is great," Neal said.
If you're interested in adopting a dog or other animal from the Bangor Humane Society, staff say you can visit their website to learn more.
