Memphis, TN, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau, hosted by the Streetdog Foundation, celebrated its mission of rescuing dogs while raising awareness about the animal welfare crisis in Memphis. The event featured live music, merchandise sales, and a best-dressed dog contest, all aimed at gathering community support. With over 40% of dogs taken in by Memphis Animal Services being euthanized, events like this are crucial in promoting local awareness and fundraising for animal shelters.
Memphis, Tennessee – The Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau, organized by the Streetdog Foundation, took place on Saturday, August 9, 2023, at Loflin Yard in downtown Memphis. This lively event was held to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the foundation’s mission to rescue dogs and raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by local animal shelters.
Currently, the situation regarding animal welfare in Memphis remains urgent, with over 40% of dogs taken in by Memphis Animal Services (MAS) being euthanized this year. Reports indicate that from January to June 2023, MAS received 2,610 dogs and unfortunately had to euthanize 1,047 of them, amounting to a sobering 40.1% of the total intake. The numbers include a significant number of dogs affected by recurring outbreaks of parvovirus at the facility, as well as another 182 dogs euthanized at the owners’ request.
The high rates of euthanization have prompted discussions within the community, emphasizing the importance of fundraising and community support initiatives such as the Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau. Attendees reflected on the necessity of hosting events that raise funds and foster local awareness in light of the troubling statistics.
The Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau event featured a variety of attractions including live music performed by Shufflegrit and MB and Buddy, merchandise sales, a silent auction, and an area dedicated to dog-related activities. Moreover, the event held a best-dressed dog contest, where pet owners dressed their furry friends in themed Hawaiian or tie-dye outfits, adding a fun and creative element to the day.
Entry to the event required a $25 donation, which provided attendees with a festive cup for drinks. Additional wristbands for alcoholic beverages were available for $5, while children and dogs were allowed to attend for free, ensuring accessibility for all members of the family.
The Streetdog Foundation, which has been active for the past 16 years, focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating homeless dogs, finding them forever homes, and advocating for animal welfare in the Memphis area. Their ongoing efforts seek to reduce the number of dogs needing rescue through education and community outreach, aiming to make a notable impact in light of the recent troubling statistics from Memphis Animal Services.
As events like the Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau continue, community members play an essential role in supporting local animal welfare, opening the door for more awareness and funding to tackle the significant challenges that dogs in Memphis face today.
FAQs
1. What was the Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau event?
The Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau was a fundraising event organized by the Streetdog Foundation, celebrating its 16th anniversary of dog rescue efforts in Memphis.
2. Where was the event held?
The event took place at Loflin Yard in downtown Memphis.
3. How many dogs were euthanized at Memphis Animal Services this year?
As of June 2023, Memphis Animal Services euthanized 1,047 dogs, which is over 40% of the total dogs taken in.
4. What activities were featured at the Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau?
The event included live music, merchandise sales, a silent auction, and a doggie fun area, along with a best-dressed contest for dogs.
5. What was the entry cost for the event?
Entry to the event required a $25 donation, which included a festive cup, while children and dogs could attend for free.
Key Features of the Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Grateful Dog Bow Wow Luau |
| Date | August 9, 2023 |
| Location | Loflin Yard, Downtown Memphis |
| Sponsor | Streetdog Foundation |
| Purpose | 16th anniversary celebration of dog rescue and awareness |
| Entry Fee | $25 donation (includes festive cup) |
| Activities | Live music, merchandise sales, silent auction, doggie fun area, best-dressed contest |
| Euthanization Rate at MAS | 40.1% of dogs taken in from Jan to June 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Daily Jigsaw – A Streetdog Celebration
- Daily Memphian: Memphis Animal Services & Streetdog Foundation
- Memphis Magazine: Five Things To Do In Memphis This Weekend
- Fox 13 Memphis: Arkansas Woman Mauled By Dogs
- Action News 5: Dog Seen In Disturbing Video
- Wikipedia: Animal Welfare
- Google Search: Memphis Animal Welfare
- Google Scholar: Animal Rescue Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Rights
- Google News: Memphis Dog Rescue
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
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