Region Residents and Their Furry Friends Cool Down at Vale Park Animal Hospital’s 2016 Dog Days of Summer Event

Region Residents and Their Furry Friends Cool Down at Vale Park Animal Hospital’s 2016 Dog Days of Summer Event

It was a hot and muggy afternoon on Saturday, June, 26 at Vale Park Animal Hospital, but that didn’t stop people from coming out to the Dogs Days of Summer event. This was the second year Vale Park Animal Hospital hosted the event; the first one took place in 2014.

“We took a year off last year,” said Gabrielle Music, Inventory, OSHA and Marketing Manager at Vale Park Animal Hospital, “but we came back strong this time.”

“We wanted to help local and small businesses by giving them the opportunity to show their products,” said Megan Murrell, veterinary assistant at Vale Park Animal Hospital. “But the main goal of the event is to make some money to help our clients. We have our HOMES fund that helps clients that may be financially unable to take care of their pets in an emergency.”

Kiddie pools filled with cool water were available for visiting dogs to drink from, though some preferred to lay down in the water to beat the heat. The parking lot was full of booths that featured everything from homemade treats, toys, and clothing, to pet trainings and adoption services.

“A lot of our pups come to Vale Park,” said Jason Griffith from Beagle Rescue Education Welfare, a volunteer based beagle rescue active in 6 states. “We have a partnership with them, where your first regular visit is free when you adopt from us.”

Tom Mitchell of Broken Bones Pet Products sells handmade dog and cat toys. This year he partnered with Dr. Lisa Booth to raise money for the Kits for K9’s Organization through a jean fundraiser.

“We recycle the jeans to make the toys,” Mitchell said, “and we are donating $1 for every pair of jeans to Kits for K-9’s.”

The non-profit supplies emergency medical kits to K9 units and trains each officer who receives a kit on the proper use of each item. Dr. Booth has been training K9 handlers, fire departments, and civilians in pet first aid and CPR since 2002. Items in the kit include: gauze, needles, saline eye wash, a collapsible water bowl and more. When used quickly and properly the items in these kits may save a canine officers life.

Overall, the event was a great way to spend some time with local dogs and pet-centric businesses. Between raffles, food, and plenty of time in the kiddie pools, dogs and owners alike could have a fun time at the Vale Park Animal Hospital’s second Dog Days of Summer event.

Click here to see more photos!

“We love Vale Park, all our pets come here,” said Erin Drake, “and we loved having fun with all the dogs today!”