Wow! Wow! Wow!
That about sums up the 2015 Pet Palooza event held by the Humane Society of Charlotte. After days and days of rain, Mother Nature blessed us with a mix of sun and clouds (but no rain!!!) which allowed the event to be a huge success... (click the image above to keep reading)
Saturday's gorgeous weather sure did help bring the masses out to Pet Palooza at Independence Park! The largest fundraiser for the Humane Society of Charlotte, Pet Palooza is chock full of fun activities for both dogs and their people...a 2K dog walk, bands, contests, food trucks, a beer garden, vendor fair, microchipping, palm and paw readings, face painting, agility trials, a fido fashion show...the list goes on and on! I'm so glad I got to be a part of this awesome event! As usual, the HSC staff and volunteers worked their bums off to put on a flawless event that raised over $90,000!!! These funds help HSC provide critical services like low-cost spay/neuter, vaccine and microchip clinics, adoptions, and owner/pet training and education. **UPDATE** HSC has now raised over $116,000 and the final numbers are still to come!!!
Here is a recap of the event as well as some of my favorite images from the day's activities. If you'd like to see more, please check out the link HERE.
The foundation of Pet Palooza is the 2K dog walk. It starts the event off with a bang while taking the participants on a nice stroll around the perimeter of Independence Park. I got to be right in the middle of the action... ;)
After the walk, the festivities began! However, there's always time for a quiet moment to catch your breath and take in the view.
Pups got to make their own paw portrait artwork or work off the burn from the walk with a massage...
People weren't left out either! Face painting, massages, and palm readings were just a few of the things keeping the party going!
The Fido Fashion Show quickly got the attention of the crowd as adoptable dogs and HSC alumni strutted their stuff in some divine attire.
And what is a festival without great music? Alex Kastanas and gogo Pilot kept the crowd entertained.
On the other side of the park, your pup had the opportunity to try out the agility course. Jumps, tunnels, and platforms were just a few of the obstacles the Zoom Room trainers would lead your pup through.
A huge food truck paw-villion kept hunger at bay while a beer/wine garden did the same for thirst. (Don't you just love the dog staring at the beer being poured?!?)
My favorite part of the day was just watching people hanging out with their beloved 4-leggers. :)
Not to be forgotten, there were a few epic contests including some great entries for best trick...
Needless to say, Pet Palooza knocked my socks off and I want to thank HSC for inviting me out. I also want to thank all off the great sponsors, vendors, people and dogs that made the event possible.
Again, if you'd like to see more pictures from the event, you may do so HERE.
Thank you and I hope to see everyone again next year!
