Woofstock draws hundreds of dog-lovers to Mercato in support of Humane Society

Naples

Humane Society volunteer Meghan Gifford sits with Ziggy, a blind 8-year old Parson Russell terrier, outside of the Paws Around Town adoption bus during the sixth annual Woofstock at Mercato in North Naples on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018.

Dog-lovers and their pooches flocked to the relaxing tunes of acoustic guitars and promises of craft beer at the sixth annual Woofstock hosted by the Humane Society of Naples.

“Everything’s been great,” said Meredith McLean, special events coordinator. “We had 2,000 people last year, and it looks like we have a great showing this year.”

Vendor tents ringed the grassy courtyard of the Mercado on Sunday, and the Humane Society’s staple mobile adoption truck was parked along the back, garnering the attention of many passers-by. The specially made truck takes up to a dozen animals in need of a home to about 100 events a year.

“We adopt out anywhere from zero-5,” said Karen Norton, mobile adoption coordinator. “But it’s about getting our name out there.”

The Humane Society of Naples is a local no-kill animal shelter, and Woofstock is one of its four largest fundraisers of the year.

From right: Lola, a 7-year-old Yorkie, Abby, a 10-year-old Yorkie, and Yuki, a 12-year-old Bichon, ride around together in their strollers during the sixth annual Woofstock at Mercato in North Naples on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018.

Underneath an orange tent stood Brian Hahn, manning the beer taps. While his family was on the beach a few miles away celebrating a birthday, the owner of Momentum Brewhouse was the one-man stop for hundreds of thirsty attendees.

“We support the Humane Society,” he said. “I love dogs and getting involved in the community. We’re dog-friendly at Momentum.”

The 3-year-old microbrewery from Bonita Springs donated all of the beer for the event — the IPA Instinct and a wheat beer called 16 Degrees Celsius.

Many people took their cold brews and found seats in the shade to listen to the music of Patchouli and Kraig Kenning.

“Patchouli actually played at our wedding,” said Candice Taylor, holding the leash of Aloe. “It’s great here.”

Wally, a 2-year-old puggle, waits for his owners to finish buying treats at the Earthwise Pet vendor during the sixth annual Woofstock at Mercato in North Naples on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018.

Candice and her husband, Tom Taylor, were spending their Sunday listening to one of their favorite bands and browsing the various stalls, providing everything from pet medical advice to environmentally friendly dog food.

“We adopted our corgi Lola from the Humane Society, so it’s nice to be able to come here,” Tom Taylor said.

Sitting along a shaded stretch of bushes were the McGarveys and their dog Bailey, who looked quite comfortable in a baby stroller.

“We’re here because we support the Humane Society and what they do,” Bernerd McGarvey said.

The couple just moved to the area full-time and are enjoying the cornucopia of events and festivals offered during this time of the year.

“We love it here,” Bernerd McGarvey said. “There’s no way we’d be able to go to a great event like this in Indianapolis right now.”