Rescue Village, also known as The Geauga County Humane Society (GCHS), began with a vision of a more humane world and a devotion to saving animals from homelessness and harm. The work of Rescue Village began in 1974 when founder, Arlene MacDonald and a small group of animal advocates embarked on a labor of love. Initially, animals were sheltered in private homes.
Rescue Village began hosting the Walk for Adoptable Animals in 1993 to raise lifesaving funds for homeless animals at Rescue Village. The first walk was held at Holden. Participants were bussed with their dogs from the local high school to walk in the parade. The iconic collectible t-shirt also debuted in 1993 and has remained a loved tradition for over 30 years.
2001 marks Jenny Campbell's first Rescue Village cartoon!
The name is changed to the Rescue Village Ramble & Four-Footed Festival. Jenny Campbell, Rescue Village volunteer and cartoonist, begins designing the iconic, collectible t-shirt.
In 2003, Rescue Village began accepting Sponsors to meet the needs of homeless animals and help underwrite event costs. This allows more money to go toward the homeless animals at RV. Support animals and become a Sponsor TODAY!
Rescue Village began offering on-site shopping for festival attendees in 2004. Twenty years later, the event, which started with only 12 vendors, has grown into a 90+ vendor event. Support homeless animals by being a Vendor TODAY!
Rescue Village changes the dog festival name from "The Four-Footed Festival" to "Woofstock"!
Woofstock moved from Holden to the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field.
Rescue Village's Woofstock dog festival was awarded Best of the East by Cleveland Magazine for best charitable event
Woofstock's 30th anniversary took place in 2023. It was celebrated with thousands and t-shirts were designed with past alpha dogs to commemorate Woofstock's rich history.
Rescue Village's Woofstock dog festival was awarded Best of the East by Cleveland Magazine for best charitable event two years in a row!
For a third year, Rescue Village's Woofstock has been selected as a finalist for Best of the East by Cleveland Magazine for best charitable event