Dressed-up doggies will take to Chatham’s off-leash dog park Aug. 17 in a day of fun and fundraising.
The fourth annual Paws on My Heart event raises funds to help with maintenance of the park.
Organizer Kristen Corlett said the day will feature vendors, a barbecue, and a couple of organizations dedicated to helping animals.
The canine celebration is free to attend, but Corlett asks that people leave a donation.
“The money goes to the maintenance and repair of the park,” she said of the facility, located on Water Street in Chatham.
Corlett said there will be a variety of artisans and direct-sale vendors on site for the day.
Big Fix Grassroots Cat Rescue is running a barbecue just outside the park area.
CK Animal Rescue will be there with a photo booth for owners who want a picture with their beloved dogs.
And Corlett hopes those four-legged friends show up in costume. Best costume earns a prize and there will be a pooch parade.
“It’s always been so much fun to see all the dogs in their costumes,” Corlett said.
The money raised by the event will help in maintaining the grass and ensuring the fence line is secure. Corlett said the space for small dogs requires constant fence maintenance.
But it’s all worth it, she said.
“I think it’s amazing to have a dog park in our community. I have two dogs, both rescues,” she said, and they are regular users of the park. “They need a place to run around off leash. I see how much the park is needed in the community. It’s an amazing venue.”
The park will be closed to users on event day from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to allow the vendors the opportunity to set up. After that, Paws on my Heart runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Chatham-Kent Off-Leash Dog Park has been in operation for 15 years.
Rain date for Paws on My Heart is Aug. 18.
