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Tempe, AZ—Helping customers find a gift for the love of their life is what jewelers do. But for Jenny Melissa Rodriguez (image), owner of Pure Life Jewelry, the love of her life has four paws and a wet nose.  

“[Adoption] has shown me a love that cannot compare. Ace is the dog that I got through Angels for Paws and he is just the love of my life. He is an amazing dog,” Rodriguez told AZBigMedia in an article about a special promotion at her store.

Instead of gifting the love of her life a diamond collar, Rodriguez thought the biggest gift would be to help Angels For Paws Animal Rescue, the organization that brought her and Ace together. That, coupled with a pandemic that makes holding indoor special events a challenge for jewelers, led Rodriguez to host an adoption festival to benefit the rescue—and some lucky pups—in front of her store. AZBigMedia said pandemic also has been hard on animal shelters as donations are shrinking but the need is increasing.

A parade of higher-risk dogs, including pit bulls and other hard-to-place breeds, was on display for potential adopters to meet and interact with on Saturday in front of Rodriguez’s store. Ears were scratched, tails were wagging, and leashes were being passed between potential owners to meet each dog. Most importantly, applications for adoptions were being filled out—and in the process, some jewelry got sold as well.

“I came out to support this,” said bystander Rachel Miller to the paper. “I brought donations and I am buying some jewelry. I like to support my friend and dogs, so I was sold.”

Jeweler Jenny Melissa Rodriguez's dog, Ace, is a star on her website to benefit a local animal shelter.