ElderDog PEI’S Pawd in the Park
WHERE
WHEN
For the first time since 2018, ElderDog PEI is returning to Victoria Park on Sunday, September 29th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm to host “Pawd in the Park”, a popular public awareness and community outreach event.
The PEI “Pawd” is the provincial branch of ElderDog Canada Inc. a national, community-based, non-profit organization with a mission to assist and support older adults in the care and well-being of their canine companions. It also provides care and companionship for older dogs who have lost their human; and educates people on the role of companion animals in the health and well-being of seniors.
This non-profit volunteer organization has been on PEI since 2014, offering programs which include providing help for seniors with basic dog care activities; foster care and adoption of older dogs; long-term care planning for companion dogs; public education and bereavement support.
“It’s great to be planning for our first Pawd in the Park event since 2018,” explains PEI Pawd Leader Christine Kleinsteuber. “It’s always lots of fun and has been one of the most successful ways to connect with folks in-person and create awareness about our services. We know there are many seniors on PEI who are wonderful caregivers to their dogs but need some extra help and that’s what we’re here for – at absolutely no cost. We also welcome new adult volunteers willing to complete our screening program and lend a hand with everything from dog walking to transportation and surplus food distribution.”
All activities will take place in and around the Victoria Park Cultural Pavilion in Charlottetown, 36 Victoria Park Driveway.
“Pawd in the Park is a free-admission, family-friendly event filled with activities for dogs and dog lovers of all ages,” says Volunteer Coordinator Sydney Gillis. “Attendees will be able to chat with ElderDog volunteers about our programs, to watch demonstrations of positive-behaviour based animal care demonstrations, to meet our exhibitors and enjoy the beautiful trail system. We’ll even have prizes for fun activities like our Pet/Person Look-A-Like Contest.”
Visitors can also have their pets pose for a unique Fall or Halloween-themed electronic portrait photograph at no cost.
Event organizers advise that on-leash pets are welcome to attend however, in keeping with ElderDog’s positive-behaviour training policies, owners are asked to leave shock, pinch, or electronic training devices at home. ElderDog PEI volunteers will also be providing yellow ribbons to owners to help identify dogs that are anxious or not comfortable socializing with other animals.
This event is made possible through a community grant provided by the Rotary Club of Charlottetown. ElderDog Canada is a registered, non-profit organization with its national office located in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
