Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 14! Sponsored by Barks, Bones, and Biscuits, The Canine Carnival will once again be held at Veteran’s Park from 10:30-5:30. Bring your family, your four legged friends, and get ready for some fun!
The Canine Carnival is a fundraising/charity event to help raise money and awareness for the police canine dogs in the Mint Hill and Matthews Police Departments. These impeccably trained dogs are used, among other ways, to locate narcotics and for human tracking. “These dogs help protect us and our communities,” said Robyn Kline, owner of Barks, Bones, and Biscuits. “But training and keeping them can be costly.”
This is the second Canine event; last year’s event raised $4,000 for the police dog program. The Carnival last year was in June. “I was surprised by the strong turnout despite the 100 degree temperatures,” Robyn said. “And that’s why we’re having it in October this year!”
What goes on at a Canine Carnival? There will be a silent auction featuring contributions from the retail community such as artwork, gift baskets, restaurant certificates, and vacation stays. There will be a 50/50 raffle (do not need to be present to win) and approximately 100 vendors selling all kind of animal merchandise and food. For entertainment, there will be a live band, a pumpkin carving contest, a pie eating contest (pet dog and it’s human) and a costume contest (once again, dog and owner). Coming all the way from Louisville, Kentucky, The Flying Houndz Frisbee will put on three performances throughout the day. Attendees will have a chance to meet these canines as well as see them in action. The police will be on hand to answer any questions.
In addition, if you may be in the market for a new (or another) pet, there will be pets available for adoption.
For safety reasons, those bringing their dogs are asked to bring them on a regular leash rather than a retractable one.
What was Robyn’s inspiration for this Canine Carnival? “Our police are so awesome, and in this way the community can help me help them.” Robyn answered. “I am such an animal lover, and it makes me happy to see others’ love for animals as well.”
Meanwhile, Barks, Bones and Biscuits is currently accepting donations at the store at the corner of Lawyers Road and 51. They are collecting dog and cat food, leashes, blankets and dog toys to give to area rescue groups, who will be represented at the Carnival. These groups include Ruff Life Animal, a Great Dane rescue; South Charlotte Dog Rescue; Greyhound Friends of North Carolina; and The Fabulous McGrady Foundation (which supplies needed items to rescue shelters). Please drop by to donate these new or gently used items, and while you are there, one dollar will buy you a ticket for the 50/50 raffle. You might just be the lucky. . .dog.
