By Mitch Totten

The third annual Jackie Blue’s Rescue Angels’ Carnival 4 Canines was another great success, hosted at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The carnival offered a wide range of events such as raffles, games, food, and dog adoption. Over 20 organizations showed up in support of spreading awareness and to help run the event.

“I love to see everyone come together and different [nonprofits] — totally different nonprofits sometimes — being able to collaborate to a common goal of helping people,” Behave! LLC owner and event volunteer Alexandra Grant said.

“It’s just a fun day! It’s a lot of organizing and a lot of having a really good time, and hopefully all the dogs have a good time, too,” Jackie Blue’s Rescue Angels founder and president Michael Ann Gabrelcik said.

Activities with the dogs, including a costume contest, took place and contributed to the fun, spirited atmosphere.

Jackie Blue’s Rescue Angels is a charity that strives to help pets in need of healthy and loving homes. Through donations and support from the community, the annual Carnival 4 Canines was able to raise money to help expand Jackie Blue’s outreach.

California State Senator Joel Anderson’s representative was present at the event with information for constituents from state services.

“It’s a great honor to recognize the many passionate volunteers that came together to support animals in need,” Anderson said.

The rescuers, volunteers, and vendors were thanked for their commitment and presented with Senate certificates of recognition.

— Mitch Totten is a legislative intern for the office of Sen. Joel Anderson.