While New England was earning its third-consecutive road victory against the Tennessee Titans, the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Foundation were securing more big wins at home.
Patriot Place was filled with football fans and dog lovers alike Sunday, as the team hosted a "TailGate" pet adoption event and watch party in the plaza.
The event was a massive success, with 31 dogs adopted across four local organizations: the Potter League for Animals, Second Chance Animal Services, MSPCA-Angell, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston – where Dr. Dana Kraft serves on the board.
"They do a remarkable job of both helping to get dogs adopted as well as proactively keeping dogs from having to be surrendered by providing social services for families in need," Dr. Kraft said of ARL in September at the organization's Dedham campus while promoting the “TailGate” event with players on the Patriots.
"We do events like this to make people aware of the tremendous need there is to adopt. One great thing is, when you adopt, you can find a dog that has the right personality for you and your lifestyle. You don't always know that's going to be the case when you get a puppy, so there's practical reason to adopt as well as public welfare."
Along with Dr. Kraft, Patriots Super Bowl Champions David Andrews and Brian Hoyer, Patriots cheerleaders and Pat Patriot joined in on the family-friendly fun.
Fans enjoyed food trucks, games, music, and other fun activities in addition to the main attractions: meeting adoptable dogs and watching the Patriots win.
Even if fans weren't in a place to bring home a new pet, they were encouraged to bring pet food, pet toys, collars, leashes, and other supplies to donate to local shelters and support dogs in need.
"These dogs don't ask to be in shelters," said Hoyer, who appeared at the event with his rescue boxer, Chanel.
On October 19, the Kraft family and the Patriots Foundation hosted a Dog Adoption "TailGate" and Watch Party as part of the Pawtriots initiative. Over 30 dogs from four local animal shelters were adopted on-site in the Patriot Place Plaza, where fans also had the opportunity to watch the Patriots rally to a 31-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans on the road. The event featured adoptable dogs, meet and greet opportunities with David Andrews and Brian Hoyer, appearances by Patriots Cheerleaders and Pat Patriot, food trucks, games and more.
"They don't ask to be in these situations, and if you're able to take that love from your family and bring them into your home you'll never regret it."
While the event was a great success, just two dogs were not adopted by the end of the day: Hermoine from the ARL and Swift from MSPCA-Angell.
To help change this, visit Patriots.com/Pawtriots to find contact information for partner shelters.
