How fast can your dog wolf down an ice cream cone? If you don’t already know the answer to that question, there will be answers as pets and pet lovers take over downtown Brighton this summer.
And you’re invited to join in the “Presqu’ile Petpawlooza” fun on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Memorial Park in Brighton.
Hosted by the Presqu’ile Animal Hospital, the event is described as a celebration filled with all sorts of pet-inspired fun, with plans to also tackle some fundraising and shine a light on rescues and other not-for-profits and their work.
Originally, this started as a celebration of a new veterinarian joining the practice, with the team wanting to share that news with the community and celebrate Dr. Katie Phinnemore joining Presqu’ile Animal Hospital, said Stephanie Bedard, practice manager.
“She’s local (and) so a lot of people in the area were excited about her coming in,” said Bedard. “Then it kind of expanded from there, as we were like we should do more of a celebration for pets. We have such amazing pet owners in Brighton, and (then) we’ve been working with a lot of rescues (in the area).”
And so, all this evolved into this combination of a fundraiser, welcoming, and celebration in one, explained Bedard.
Running 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event has quite the lineup, said Bedard.
The contest for best dressed is at 11 a.m., best tricks at noon, and the fastest pup to eat a dog ice cream cone at 1 p.m.
There will be all kinds of additional fun, from a play zone with an obstacle course, to free pet caricatures and photos.
But before all this, there will be dog yoga from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with entry by donation. This is where it’s hoped people can donate at least $10 or so to support the Farley Foundation, explained Bedard.
Online, it states the foundation supports the relationship between pets and people by generating and allocating resources to subsidize veterinary care for Ontario families in need.
Several vendors will also be set up in the park, shining a light on rescue groups and other organizations with information to share, as well as other pet-related vendors, explained Dr. Andrea Wernham, a veterinarian and practice owner at Presqu’ile Animal Hospital.
Some of the vendors include the Northumberland Humane Society, Sandy Pines, Parry’s Paws and Claws, Quinte Canine, Pet Valu, Kuhl Pup Treats, Pawsitive Animal Wellness, K9 Crusaders, Fox Hollow Pet Boutique, Determined as Diesel, and more.
This is a first-time event.
“It’s a fun event to run, and if the public enjoys coming, I think we would definitely be interested in running it on a yearly basis,” said Wernham.
Registration details for the yoga portion and more information are available via the Presqu’ile Animal Hospital Facebook page.
All dogs must be on leashes during the event.
And don’t forget to meet-and-greet with the new doctor!
Bedard echoed Wernham’s excitement.
“We are trying to grow so that we can offer more services to the people of Brighton,” said Bedard, adding the community is booming with an influx of people and pets coming into the area. “We’re just going to keep trying to attract the best of the best.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
