10th Annual New Canaan Dog Days May 4

From New Canaan Nature Center: The 10th annual New Canaan Dog Days presented by Pet Pantry Warehouse will be hosted at the New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge (newcanaannature.org) on Saturday, May 4. This year's event is a celebration of dogs and features a marketplace filled with quality food, treats, toys, arts, crafts, and local services. Sponsors include local pet food company, Earth Animal (earthanimal.com), Passage East Kennels (passageeastkennels.com), New Canaan Veterinary (newcanaanvet.com), Sparky's Pet Sitting Services (sparkyspetsittingservice.com), and New Canaan - Darien Magazine, Moffly Media (newcanaandarienmag.com).

"This year we're expecting over 1,000 participants," said Cynthia Fox, Creative Director at Pet Pantry Warehouse. She continued, "We are really excited about this new location and the ability to continually grow this event which has now become a town staple for a decade. We are bringing more activities to this event that will be a huge hit for everyone including kids, adults, and dogs".

The event will kick off with a fundraising Pet Pantry Paws Walk through the Nature Center trails beginning at 10:00 am. Participants are required to register for the Paws Walk and a $20 fee will benefit Adopt-a-Dog and the New Canaan Nature Center [http://tiny.cc/elvn4y]. Following the Paws Walk will be demonstrations, lectures, and meet-and-greets beginning at noon. The New Canaan Police Department Canine Unit; New Canaan Nature Center Wildlife; professional dog trainers, dog behaviorists, and veterinarians will be in attendance to educate and entertain attendees.

This year's activities and special event features include but are not limited to the following:

· The Doggie Fun Zone, last year’s runaway hit, is a lure motivated obstacle course.

· The Fur-tastic K-9’s from Texas is a performance and stunt team that will give two performances and teach a trick workshop. Participants will learn how to transform their dog into a "trick star" (www.thefur-tastick9s.com).

· An animal communicator will be on site for pet psychic sessions by appointment.

· The new Radar Run, sponsored by Sparky's Pet Sitting Services (sparkyspetsittingservice.com), will clock the speed of the dog using an official police department radar gun. The fastest dog will receive a gift certificate and a speeding citation.

· A kid zone with a face painter, caricature artist, and a bouncy house.

· A dog spa where attendees can watch a “Doodle” get groomed and learn how to properly brush and maintain their dog while consulting with grooming product experts to find the best products for their dog.

· The Pet Pantry Bone Bar with tuxedo-clad Bark Tenders. Event attendees can get the top of the line treats, chews and cookies for their dogs.

· A family scavenger hunt. Participants can join forces and work together to solve clues and complete the hunt. Anyone that solves all of the clues can select a reward from a prize-filled table packed with pet toys and supplies.

· A rescue village with area rescue groups available to discuss adoptions.

· Family and pet portraits with Venture Photography.

· New Canaan's Top Dog Model Search with Canada Pooch

Additionally, the Gates restaurant (gatesrestaurant.com) will host a special Yappy Hour on Tuesday, April 23, from 5p-7p and sell tickets to the NCDD Paws Walk. A percent of food and drink proceeds will support New Canaan Dog Days nonprofit partners. Gates Restaurant has been a local New Canaan institution since 1979 and was renovated in 2016. The Tavern Bar features Trivia every Wednesday and live music Saturdays.

"Last year we opened stores in Scarsdale, New York and my hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut and as a local, family run business, we understand the importance of giving back to the communities in which we operate. Over the years we've donated hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of money, goods, and services to organizations in need. In addition, we regularly give back to local schools, religious institutions, charities, and others. We also provide donations to local police, fire, and ambulatory services, as well as community sports teams" said Adam Jacobson, Executive Vice President at Pet Pantry Warehouse.

This is Pet Pantry's fifth consecutive year hosting the ultimate FUN-raiser for pet lovers and the whole family and has donated more than $30,000 to local pet rescue groups throughout the pet supply retailer's involvement. Admission is free. For more information and to register for this year's Paws Walk event please visit Pet Pantry Warehouse online (ppwpet.com). #NCDD2019