How Having Fun In The Sun Can Save Lives

The last two weekends have been beautiful and sunny in and around Toronto. I have attended fantastic fundraising events that save lives and build awareness for rescue animals- Paws in the Park and Dog Tales Festival.

It is great when you can combine having fun in the sun with your family (including your dogs), and make a difference.

Paws In The Park

The Toronto Humane Society’s walk-a-thon fundraiser, Paws in the Park, took place on August 14^th at Woodbine Park in Toronto. We love to support this organization and featured them in our Rescues Rock TV episode and recently also attended the mega successful Mega Adoption weekend. This particular event has been running for years featuring fun activities for dogs and dog lovers to enjoy.

This particular event has been running for years featuring a walk plus fun activities for dogs and dog lovers to enjoy like the Dog Lovers Days Lure Course which Kilo loved, a pet photo booth, prizes, celebrity guests and shopping in the Vendor Village. It’s a great way to have some fun in the sun with your pet, family and friends plus help rescues in need. Kilo got to try some yummy new treats from Party Paws and we got popsicles from Aviva Insurance (brilliant for such a hot day).

Paws in the Park is the largest annual fundraising event for the Toronto Humane Society and it provides a significant portion of their annual operating expenses.

Adorable white and tan puppy chews toy on grass at Paws in the Park

Kilo the pug gets a sample from Susie at Paws in the Park

Group of dogs eat popsicle at Paws in the Park

Silent Auction booth at Paws in the Park

Kilo the pug sitting on the grass at Paws in the Park

Dog Tales Festival

The Dog Tales Festival was an opportunity for friends and families of all ages to celebrate rescue animals with a fun weekend filled with live entertainment, animal-related vendor booths, a beautiful backdrop, and, of course, animals!

The setting is incredible in acres of beautiful horse country just north ofToronto. It was well worth the under one hour drive and the $10 donation for easy parking (with a little shuttle if you didn’t want to walk past the horse paddocks to the main event). In true Dog Tales fashion, the festival was heavily decorated, treating guests to a festival experience like no other. My daughter would have been excited to see all the gourmet vegetarian and vegan food and the band was great!

Kilo's Rescue Homeward Bound — Kilo’s Rescue Homeward Bound

I loved learning more about the great work being done not only by Dog Tales Rescue, but by the countless other rescues in our province. I dropped off $20 to Kilo’s wonderful rescue Homeward Bound and passed by Dachshund, Golden Retriever and Boston Terrier rescues. I also saw a few Pitbull advocates.

I also discovered a few new products and vendors and caught up with some of my faves.

Naturawls Raw food stand at Dog Tales Festival

Dog Lovers Days was there supporting, and Bullwrinkles (love their treats and Bully sticks)

Two dogs race in the Dog Lovers Days lure course at Dog Tales Festival

Said hi to our friends from Amber’s Barkery, Naturawls and Handmade in the Hammer. I also got to see our pals the talented Woofjocks perform which is always a treat!

Woofjocks member gets ready to perform at Dog Tales Festival — Woofjocks

The friendly people at the Royal Canin booth were kind enough to give Kilo a sample of their Urban Dog Food and wet food which Kilo loves. Our friend Edie is an ambassador for their Pug Food. I love what they have on the Pug brochure, “The Pug has enormous charm, combined wth dignity and intelligence. It is distinguished by its happy, affectionate and gentle character.” Kilo the Pug isn’t always gentle but he sure is charming.