Stunt dog shows and training demos to highlight Pooch and Hearts at fairgrounds Sept. 13
Stephanie Lupo hadn’t quite finished sharing her vision before enthusiastic support thundered through the phone.
“I really couldn’t even form the sentence to ask her… she was like ‘Yeah, I’m in… like no matter what it is, I’m in, let’s do it,” recalled the owner/operator of Sit, Stay, Obey K9 Training, of her initial call to fellow Miltonian Sharon Adye-White about Pooch and Hearts – set to take over the fairgrounds (136 Robert St.) Saturday, Sept. 13.
Looking to partner with another local business owner, Lupo saw Adye-White as an ideal candidate – with the latter’s Paw-Freakin’-Tastic anti-anxiety dog treats having greatly benefited her chihuahuas.
No sooner did they first discuss the idea for an all-day dog extravaganza than the proverbial wheels were in motion.
Said Adye-White, “Everything is falling into place exactly how I thought it would. It’s so exciting to see everything coming together.”
Now in the last leg of preparations, the lifelong dog lovers have a full-scale party planned for community canines and their owners – highlighted by three performances by the famed The Ultimutts Show.
Pooch and Hearts’ organizers feel the inclusion of the stunt group – made up of rescued dogs and cats with various disabilities – sends the perfect message for the inaugural event.
“It kind of shows people these animals can have a second life,” said Lupo, who credits Adye-White’s determination and a generous area sponsor with securing the popular entertainers. “You’re not adopting a problem, you’re giving a dog or cat a second chance. That really played into our hearts to get them.”
Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pooch and Hearts will also feature demonstrations by Mississauga’s Beyond the Leash K9 Training, as well as an interactive area with a ball pit and pool.
In keeping with the day’s theme, there’ll be a paws painting station and a vast array of vendors – more than 50 of which are already on board. Food trucks, contests, prizes and a major raffle will round out the festivities, with a portion of the proceeds to go to an as-yet named rescue organization.
Admission is $5 per person, and free for kids five and under.
All dogs are welcome, with owners asked to use traditional leashes during their visit – not retractable ones.
The ultimate hope is to make Pooch and Hearts an annual celebration and to build community among local dog lovers and businesses.
Visit the Pooch and Hearts Facebook page for the event schedule and more information.
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