Dog Days of Spring
From Helping Paws' Walk, Wag and Run to the Eden Prairie Bark for Life there's lots to keep your pup occupied in April and May.
If there's one thing we learned putting together our upcoming May issue—aka The Pet issue—it's that dog lovers will do just about anything to make their pups happy. And luckily they have plenty of opportunities to do just that in the coming months:
April 23 | All About Dogs Day at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, register to bring your dog for a walk along Three Mile Drive. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum invites pups on its premises for one day only. Enjoy a walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then check out the pet expo at the Margot picnic shelters. Entrance for dogs is $25. Call 952.443.1422 to register – only pre-registered dogs can participate.
May 1 | Bark for Life of Eden Prairie
Kick off the 2011 Relay for Life season with a walk that honors the important role that dogs play as companions during tough times. Dogs and their owners will meet at 1 p.m. May 1 for a walk at Round Lake Park. In addition to walking around the lake (and stopping for water and treats along the way), pick up a bandana for your dog, enjoy dog-themed music, have your dog's picture taken and learn more about the Relay for Life of Eden Prairie.
Dog owners can register online for $10, or pay $20 to register at the event. The event will help raise money for the 2011 Eden Prairie Relay for Life on July 15-16.
May 21 | Helping Paws' Wag, Walk & Run
The annual Wag, Walk & Run raises money for Helping Paws, a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for people with physical disabilities. In addition to a 5k walk/run and a 1 mile children's run, the event includes contests, music, vendor booths and a popular demonstration from Officer Snetting and his K-9 partner, Booker.
Since forming in 1989, Helping Paws has trained and placed more than 150 dogs into homes where they assist with daily activities and offer companionship. The organization has coordinated the Wag, Walk & Run for 13 years, and brought the event to Eden Prairie's Purgatory Creek Recreation Area 3 years ago. "The whole purpose of the race is to bring awareness of how service dogs support people with disabilities," says Pam Anderson, Helping Paws' director of development.
There are prizes for the winners in the children's run and the 5k race, along with the honor of drinking out of the much-coveted Alpha-Gator Trophy (a very special water dish) for the winning dogs.
But there's also bonus for all racers: After the race, their bib can be planted, and the seeds that are lodged in the bib's fibers should grow into a mini flower garden. "We try to be as green as we can," Anderson says, noting that they encourage participants to bring their own water bottles, and they use compostable food and drink containers at the event.
Last year's Wag, Walk & Run attracted 525 people, 350 dogs and raised $60,000. This year's goal is $70,000.
Registration is $25 before May 16, and $35 at the race. Register online or by calling 952.988.9359, ext. 12.
Looking for even more local pet-related stuff? You'll love our May issue! Watch for it in your mail box and online in the next few weeks.
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