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Dunwoody rallies behind rescue dog in pet competition By TYRA DOUYON newsroom@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — When Dunwoody natives Amy Horstman and Eli Abamonte entered their dog into a national pet competition their goal was to have fun while supporting an animal welfare organization. They never expected that what they’d receive was an outpouring of support from the community. Their dog, Cleo, a 2-yearold female husky and Finnish fox mix, is competing in America’s Favorite Pet, a national contest presented by Colossal that raises funds for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). The winner will be featured on the cover of Modern Dog Magazine and receive a $10,000 prize, with public voting open once per day through March 12. Founded in 1967, PAWS advocates for animal welfare, providing care for sick and neglected animals while helping them find permanent homes. Locally, PAWS Atlanta is the city’s oldest no-kill shelter.
Lemonade Days adds attractions for April festival
After initially asking close friends and family to vote, Cleo’s entry quickly gained traction. Neighbors and fellow Dunwoody pet lovers began voting daily and sharing her page across social media, turning the effort into a community-wide show of support. “We have people who have never even met her voting for her on a daily basis,” Horstman said. “It’s been really meaningful in that way to see how people will show up for dogs. Animals really can bring people together. And Cleo’s definitely done that.” Beyond her adorable looks, Cleo’s story has resonated with fans. Before finding her forever home, she spent the first year of her life homeless and was placed on a euthanasia list at DeKalb County Animal Services. After being fostered through LifeLine Animal Project, Horstman and Abamonte adopted her from her foster mom — a decision that changed Cleo’s life forever.
See CLEO, Page 17
AMY HORSTMAN/PROVIDED
Amy Horstman and Eli Abamonte spend time with their dog Cleo at a local park.
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DUNWOODY, Ga. — The Lemonade Days Festival will return for its 26th year April 22-26 at Brook Run Park, complete with carnival rides, vendors and a petting zoo. This year’s attractions will feature The Fireball, a high-speed looping roller coaster making its first appearance. For those seeking something tamer, the Jumping Jumbo flying elephant ride will offer enjoyment for all ages. The Lemonade Days 5K – a Peachtree Road Race qualifier – will take be at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 25. Each participant will go home with a custom cup filled with lemonade and T-shirt. Awards will be given to the overall winners and age-group winners. Adults and children can sign up for the 5K online. The festival began in 1999 as a relief effort for families affected by the 1998 tornado that swept through Dunwoody neighborhoods. The event has historically attracted more than 70,000 people. The Lemonade Days Festival is the largest fundraiser of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust. Profits support the continued rehabilitation and maintenance of the historic 1870 Donaldson-Bannister Farm, as well as numerous community events, educational programs for children and adults and Dunwoody’s only history camp for kids.
See LEMONADE, Page 17
JAN HART | REALTOR® c: 678.596.3684 o: 404.480.HOME JAN@ANSLEYRE.COM Equal housing opportunity. If you have an existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. All data believed to be accurate but not warranted.