It's a dog's life at the Rotunda in Norfolk, and site agent Sherri Paris couldn't be happier.
The round high rise loft condominium complex "is a circle of friends, but not just for people," Paris said. "The doggie world is quite active (here) and I've had the joy of watching new owners move in, and their pets adapt to becoming friends as well."
From the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, Paris, of Rose & Womble Realty Co., watches residents gather on the grass below for walks and playtime with their pets. Neighbors have forged friendships via their cats and dogs, and they count on each other for pet-sitting while away.
"I think that pets add so much joy to our everyday lives and they connect people to people," she noted.
As the cold weather and holiday approach, Paris, owner of two adopted cats—one who'd been abandoned at a new construction site—sees another connection:
"It's cold, and animals are going to be left without homes," she said.
As of November 17, the Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, one of numerous area humane shelters, had 27 dogs and 63 cats featured on its "adoptable" page at www.norfolkspca.com.
It's important that they be coupled with loving families, Jeff Roberts, the shelter's CEO, noted. "And a pet adds so much to a home; it's the kind of love that enriches a household."
To Paris, pairing loving families with companion pets is only a matter of coming together at the right time and place. And she’s betting that the holiday spirit will tug a few heart strings.
On December 10, the Rotunda will host its inaugural Deck the Paws Holiday Fur Ball, a free formal affair that aims to place available pets with adoptive homes at holiday time. A penthouse suite will be decked out pet-homecoming style, featuring holiday decorations, creature comforts and local S.P.C.A. animals available for cuddling and viewing for adoption by Christmas. Guests not in the market for a furry friend may sponsor a sheltered animal with a donation from the "Paw Tree."
Vendors and representatives of local pet services and products will offer gift ideas and information throughout several floors. They include doggy daycare and behavioral training services and makers of collars, bedding, clothing, ornaments, home accessories and more. Folks may also bring their own pets for professional glamour photos.
Gourmet pet treats will abound; "people treats" will include cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
The average annual cost to raise a healthy cat or dog runs about $400, Roberts said. The Fur Ball, which has cost $125 per ticket when presented elsewhere, is free to all throughout Hampton Roads. Paris hopes that folks will come for the fun, visit the animals and consider spending some of the ticket money they saved adopting a new pet or supporting one while it awaits a home.
What can you bring?
"Come with an open heart for a furry friend," Paris urged.
By Nora Firestone
Going?
What: Rotunda's Deck the Paws Holiday Fur Ball
When: 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10
Where: 415 St. Paul's Blvd., Penthouse suite #706, Norfolk
Cost: Free $$
Info: Dressy to black-tie attire. Please R.S.V.P. by Dec. 6 to 757-622-3220
