Finding solid, loving homes for animals is about far more than adoption numbers. It’s about stability, safety, and giving animals the genuine opportunity to thrive. At Apronstrings Pet Sitting, this belief isn’t just part of our business philosophy; it’s deeply personal. That’s why we’re proud to support and share more about Joybound People & Pets and their upcoming Unleash the LOVE 2026 Festival & Adopt-a-thon in Walnut Creek, California. Joybound plays an essential role in the broader animal welfare community, and we’re honored here at Apronstrings to support their work connecting people and pets.
A Mission Rooted in Connection
Joybound People & Pets is dedicated to strengthening the bond between people and animals and, as a result, creating more compassionate communities. Their work centers on the belief that the human-animal connection is powerful, life-changing, and worth protecting through education, advocacy, and support.
Through pet adoption, training programs, humane education, and safety-net services, Joybound supports both animals and the people who love them. Their approach focuses not only on helping pets find homes, but also on helping families stay together whenever possible. By offering resources such as behavior support, spay and neuter services, and community outreach, Joybound works collaboratively with partner organizations across Northern California to reduce shelter overpopulation and improve long-term outcomes for pets.
At the heart of Joybound’s mission is inclusivity and partnership. They recognize that meaningful change in animal welfare happens when organizations, businesses, and communities work together toward shared goals. This collaborative model allows Joybound to extend its impact beyond its campus and support animals and families throughout the region.
One of the earliest Joybound-affiliated events Apronstrings Pet Sitting participated in was Animals on Broadway in downtown Walnut Creek. That event brought adoptable pets directly into the heart of the community, demonstrating the power of local engagement in helping animals find homes.
Reconnecting With a Mission That Matters
Like many small businesses, changes in location and life circumstances can sometimes pull you away from causes close to your heart. In 2016, Apronstrings Pet Sitting relocated to the Sierra Foothills of California, and with the added distance, our involvement in Joybound events naturally slowed.
Last year marked a turning point. After completing a full business overhaul, we took time to reflect on what truly matters to us. Supporting animal welfare rose right to the top. We knew it was time to reconnect with an organization that had made such a meaningful impact on both our work and our community.
We’re excited to share that Apronstrings Pet Sitting will have a table at the Unleash the LOVE 2026 Festival, allowing us to once again stand alongside a cause that aligns so closely with our values.

Why Solid Homes Matter So Much
Each year, thousands of cats and dogs enter shelters due to abandonment, housing challenges, financial hardship, or unexpected life changes. Shelters provide essential care, medical attention, and safety, but they are not meant to be permanent solutions.
A solid home offers pets far more than shelter. It provides routine, emotional security, and the opportunity to form lasting bonds with people they can trust. Animals in stable homes often experience better long-term physical and emotional health, while adopters gain companionship, purpose, and connection.
Joybound works in partnership with organizations across Northern California, sharing the goal of reducing shelter overpopulation through adoption, spaying and neutering services, and education. Events like Unleash the LOVE help support these collective efforts by bringing people, pets, and resources together in one welcoming space.
Unleash the LOVE Festival 2026: Bringing the Community Together
The Unleash the LOVE Festival & Adopt-a-thon takes place on February 7th, 2026, at Joybound People & Pets in Walnut Creek. This event is more than an adoption opportunity. It’s a celebration of the human-animal bond and its positive impact on individuals and communities.
The festival brings together adoptable cats and dogs, local businesses, animal advocates, and families who share a commitment to responsible pet ownership and lifelong care. Attendees can meet animals in a supportive environment, learn more about adoption, and connect with organizations working collaboratively to improve outcomes for pets throughout the region.
Apronstrings Pet Sitting: Caring Beyond the Home
At Apronstrings Pet Sitting, our work goes beyond providing trusted, in-home pet care. We believe in supporting the organizations and systems that help animals find loving homes and stay with their families long term.
Our involvement with Joybound reflects our commitment to ethical adoption, community collaboration, responsible pet ownership, and giving back to the areas we serve. Supporting Unleash the LOVE 2026 is not just an appearance for us. It’s a meaningful reconnection to a mission that has always mattered. Come out and meet our Dog Walking and Pet Care Team!
Remember, finding solid homes for animals changes lives, both theirs and ours. We’re honored to be part of this journey again and invite you to join us in unleashing the love, one adoption at a time.
Come out and support this great cause on February 7th, 2026!