Friends of Homeless animals RI (FOHARI) worked to find homes for dogs in need of an adopted family by holding an adoption event at The Parlor Creamery, 1105 Scituate Ave.,  on Sunday, August 13, where they gave prospective owners a chance to come and meet some of the adorable pooches in person.

Running from 1 to 3 p.m., volunteers from FOHARI brought about 10 dogs to the parlor to show them off and give people a chance to see their personalities in-person and see if they were the right fit to join their family. With almost 100 dogs needing to be adopted through their organization, as well as almost another 100 cats, FOHARI holds events like this in hopes of finding these lovable fur balls their own forever homes.

“I’m a Cranston resident, and I live just up the street,” said FOHARI Volunteer Foster Becky Paniccia as she explained how the adoption event ended up at the creammery. “I actually took one of the dogs here just to get some ice cream, and everyone was so interested in the dog. It made me think to ask the owner if we could have an adoption event here. She just said ‘any time.’ It was that easy. These events really give us a chance to show off the dogs and how loveable they are. Some of the people here have come from as far as Plymouth, Massachusetts.”

Though they hadn’t settled any adoptions when we arrived on the scene, several people had expresses serious interest Paniccia said.

“We try to make it as simple as process,” Paniccia explained of the adoption process. “The dogs are listed on our website. We do charge adoption fees, but we’re non-profit so those fees go back towards helping other dogs. Those looking to adopt just choose a dog, get an application, pay the fee and once approved they’ve got a dog. I always find it so strange when people say they have a problem adopting animals when it’s really so easy through us.”

Paniccia explained that FOHARI have a short verification process where they do a small home visit and if the applicant lives far away they can even perform that visit virtually. The organization also provides an adoption contract.

“The contract basically says that you’re going to take care of the dog,” Paniccia said. “You know, you’re not going to tie it up and just let it live outside. It agrees to provide medical services the animal needs. You’re not going to sell it on Craigslist or give it away, but it also has says in there that if anything happens to you, medical problems or things like that, that we will take the dog back if you need us to. We basically have a return policy and think it’s important to stay involved when it comes to taking care of these dogs.”

The Parlor Creamery, was just as happy to see the event going well as the volunteers from FOHARI.

“Becky came up to me and asked if she could host the event here, and I couldn’t have been happier,” said Owner Alexa Collins, who took over the building after its previous owner passed away. “It was no hesitation. I love dogs, and I have two Chihuahuas of my own. They’re crazy, but I love them. I said we could do it a few times and see how the timing works. This is the first one, and I hope there will be more. It seems busy on my end so I’m hoping it’s going as well for them outside.”

With a passion for rescue, it’s not surprising FOHARI has a president as like Roie Griego.

“My husband, Henry and I have been married over thirty years and he is very supportive of all my rescue work,” Griego wrote as her introduction on the organization’s website, www.fohari.org. “ We are owned by two rescued Boston Terriers named Riley and Ria. We both grew up around Boston and love them with a passion. Most of my life I have been doing rescue in one form or another. For 25 plus years I have been involved in more formal rescue work which has resulted in saving countless animals – into the many, many thousands.  My love for animals is what prompted me to engage in all these rescue activities.”

FOHARI will hold their next event on Tuesday, August 22, at the Thirsty Beaver, 288 Atwood Avenue, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The adoption event will be “a night of fun” where those looking to adopt can meet some of the animals, as well as participate in a special trivia night.