I Went For The Cars; Thanks To Subaru I Left With A Pup! :RPM News Weekly

Posted by Peter Ciani in Auto Show, Featured, In the News 8 months ago 1458 Views Comments Off

The New York International Auto Show has gone to the dogs…for me anyway.

By Peter Ciani

Every year I schlep to the New York Auto Show to check out the new car debuts, write a few stories, post a few pictures, and then head home. Last year I did something unexpected – I ended up coming home with a puppy. Yup, not a car, a real live dog. Here’s how it happened.

Many companies talk a big game when it comes to giving back, but Subaru of America has repeatedly proven its dedication to helping find homes for the millions of animals abandoned at shelters or rescued from the streets each year.

Subaru Loves Pets is an ongoing company campaign that has raised not only millions for national and local pet organizations but has helped over 480,000 animals since its inception.

Subaru Loves Pets | Photo: Subaru USA

In addition to its donations, Subaru opens up space in their auto show displays around the country for their Subaru Loves Pets Adoption Drive. Shelters from the local community are invited to showcase dogs in need of a permanent home, providing both the animals and the shelters with valuable exposure to potential adopters.

Subaru Loves Pets Area 2023 NYIAS — **Subaru Loves Pets Adoption Drive Area 2023 NYIAS**

This is where we found our most recent adoption Meeka — a ‘mystery’ lab mix rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico. It’s been a year since we adopted her, and despite not being a fancy show dog, she’s been a wonderful addition to our family. Surprisingly, she also loves playing in the snow, which I didn’t expect for a dog born in a tropical climate.

**Our Adoptee Meeka at the 2023 New York Auto Show**

Our Adoptee at the 2023 New York Auto Show — **Our Adoptee Meeka at the 2023 New York Auto Show**

Subaru always puts on an impressive display at the NYIAS, showcasing their cars while highlighting the brand’s commitment to nature and its adventure-seeking customers. At the heart of this indoor/outdoor-like paradise is the Subaru Loves Pets adoption drive—a fenced-in area where show-goers can interact with potential new canine family members.

**Subaru Display 2023 NYIAS | Photo: Peter Ciani**

Just to be clear, the adoption area is not a petting zoo. Although some may think of it as such, it’s not. It’s an opportunity to get these dogs in the public eye and to allow families to interact with them directly. It’s one thing to see pictures of a dog on a shelter’s website; it’s another to see them in person.

Most people don’t expect to find a new pet at a car show, I know I didn’t. That’s the beauty of what Subaru and their animal-loving partners are doing.

I’d also like to give a shout-out to Zani’s Furry Friends. Although it doesn’t appear that they will be attending this year’s show, they’re the organization that went to great lengths to bring our dog there, along with many others, so that they could be adopted. Plus, they made the adoption process easy. Check them out if you are in the NYC area and are looking for a new pet.

Zani’s Furry Friends @ 2023 NYIAS
Zani’s Furry Friends @ 2023 NYIAS
Zani’s Furry Friends @ 2023 NYIAS
Zani’s Furry Friends @ 2023 NYIAS

Beyond the adoption drive, the Subaru booth also features pet-related activities, including educational seminars on responsible pet ownership and a pet photo booth where attendees can take pictures with their pets. For every photo taken, Subaru will donate to a local animal welfare organization. Subaru owners or those planning on becoming one, can also explore the automaker’s available pet-friendly accessories and features.

So, if you’re heading out to the 2024 New York Auto Show and would like to check out the pups, check out the schedule below, or visit the NYIAS website for updates.