ElderDog PEI’S Pawd in the Park Returns to Victoria Park

ElderDog P.E.I. is returning to Victoria Park in Charlottetown on Sunday Oct. 14 to host its second “Pawd in the Park” public awareness and fundraising event from noon – 3 p.m.

The P.E.I. “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 wellbeing of their canine companions. It also provides care and companionship for older dogs who have lost a human companion; and educates health and animal care professionals and people of all ages about the human-animal bond and the role of companion animals in the health and wellbeing of seniors.

This non-profit volunteer organization has had a presence on P.E.I. 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.

“Our Pawd in the Park event last year was our most successful event to date for creating awareness about our services,” explains P.E.I. Pawd founder Ruth Courtney-Beck. “We know there are many seniors on P.E.I 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 volunteers willing to complete our screening program to lend a hand with everything from dog walking to public awareness.”

All activities will take place in and around the clubhouse closest to the baseball diamonds in Victoria Park.

“Pawd in the Park is a freeadmission, family-friendly event filled will activities for dogs and dog lovers of all ages,” says volunteer and event co-coordinator Debbie Reid. “Attendees will be able to chat with Elderdog volunteers, to learn more about the ElderDog program, to watch demonstrations of positive-behaviour dog training led by Courteous Canine Training and Red Dog Training Services, and to purchase unique fundraising people and pet-related treats and merchandise.”

Visitors can also have their pets pose for a unique Fall or Halloween themed electronic portrait photograph, at a cost of $20 each.