On Sunday, August 16, the feast day of St. Roch himself, Take Paws Rescue brings the dogs back to our patio from 6 to 8 p.m. A market named for the patron saint of dogs, holding an adoption day on his actual feast day. If you've been waiting for a sign to adopt, that's about as clear as signs get.
St. Roch, the saint this market and this neighborhood are named for, is the patron saint of dogs. The legend goes that when Roch fell gravely ill, a dog kept him alive, bringing him bread every day and licking his wounds until they healed. Five centuries later, a dog can still save a life at the market that bears his name. Or you can save theirs.
We've teamed up with Take Paws Rescue, the New Orleans foster-based nonprofit that has grown into one of the most active rescues in Louisiana, for a series of adoption days on our patio. The first one, back in June, filled the patio with wagging tails, bandanas, and more than a few people who came for oysters and left smitten. Another followed in July.
Tyger, owner of Salted Pearl Oyster Bar, got the series rolling, and the invitation is the same every time. "So come get yourself a little friend, a doggie, and eat some oysters and other great food we have here at St. Roch Market," he says. "I'll see you there."
August 16 is the one we've been building toward. It might be the most on-brand event this market has hosted in 150 years.
Every dog at these events lives with a foster family until they find a forever home, and the Take Paws crew will be on hand to walk you through the adoption process. Come scratch some ears, eat some oysters, and maybe leave with a new best friend. St. Roch Market, 2381 St. Claude Ave. The patio will be ready.