DOWAGIAC — For those who have been looking to adopt a pet, Dowagiac’s 24th annual Ice Time festival might be an ideal opportunity.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, inside Bow Wow Bakery and Bath, 145 S. Front St., Dowagiac, will be Cass County Animal Control alongside the store’s owner, Deb Rohdy. Inside the store, Cass County Animal Control will host a meet-and-greet with several animals up for immediate adoption. The animals will be at Bow Wow Bakery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also leading up to the Ice Time festival, Rohdy will be collecting donations in a box for Cass County Animal Control. As of Wednesday, the box had already received several bottles of bleach. Rohdy said bleach and kitty litter are some of the donations the shelter usually requests.

“Their open house at Christmas was quite successful, I think in the food area,” Rohdy said.

People who make donations will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Bow Wow Bakery.

This year’s adoption day event will mark the third year that Bow Wow Bakery and Cass County Animal Control have teamed up to find animals forever homes.

“It just seems like we have one after another,” Rohdy said.

Before partnering with Cass County Animal Control, Rohdy said she used to have Paws of Hope, a volunteer animal rescue group out of Stevensville, bring in animals. Through a turnover of leaders, Rohdy lost her connection with the organization but not her motivation to help animals.

She turned her efforts local and reached out to Cass County Animal Control Director Ronald Butts, who at the time, was fresh into his new position.

“He was all on board with it,” Rohdy said.

Last year, Cass County Animal Control brought several puppies and cats.

“[Ron] brought puppies in,” she said. “I think they found homes for all of them. If they didn’t, it sure stirred a lot of interest. I’m hoping he brings puppies again this year.”

Rohdy, who has a dog and cat of her own, which she loves dearly, said the cats receive slightly less attention from visitors. She said only a few cats had been successfully adopted through the event.

Before Rohdy opened her store, she took over a donation to the Cass County Animal Control and was impressed with the facility.

Rohdy has had customers come directly from Cass County Animal Control with their new pets, buy collars and then head home.

“This is like their first stop. It’s kind of neat,” Rohdy said. “At least people can come in here and look at the animals or go over to the shelter and look at the animals again.”

Rohdy added interested families could adopt an animal on the day of the festival after they complete the necessary paperwork.

“Bringing it to Dowagiac is kind of neat,” Rohdy said.