By Doug La Rocque
Everywhere you turned Saturday; there were nearly as many dogs as there were people strolling along the beach. It was Grafton Lakes State Park’s first annual Bark and Brew, and by all accounts, a huge success. Called Pets in the Park the past three years, the event was expanded this year with several new goals in mind.
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One, being as pet friendly as the park can be. Events for the day included off leash play areas, an agility course, dog hikes and a pet costume contest. Perhaps the most important however, was the opportunity to highlight some area pet rescue and adoption organizations. Portions of the revenues for the day were donated to these organizations.
As music by the acoustical band Stray Dogs entertained, pets and their owners strolled the many exhibits, flea market and picture booth. Also a first this year was the “brew” portion of the program. Gary Gosselin, who contracts the refreshment stand at the park over the summer, oversaw a section of the beach area dedicated to bring exposure to a number of locally crafted beers. For a donation, those of legal age could sample the many boutique brews the capital region has to offer. Gosselin referred to it as a “win-win situation.” The micro brewers got some much needed exposure, and money is raised for the rescue organizations. The organizer of the event, the Park’s Laura Weir, described the turnout as “awesome.” She hoped the day’s festivities would help to bring home the needs many of these animals have, and the jobs these participating organizations are doing to fill that need.
Three area animal welfare groups participated in the event. Peppertree Rescue works with dogs of good temperament that need new homes. They cooperate with and assist other rescue shelters and animal control, as well as educate the public about how to obtain a companion animal. They can be reached at (518) 435-7425. Rottie Empire Rescue’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home companion domestic animals. They can be reached at rottieempirerescue@gmail.com. The Animal Support Project’s goal is to help pet owners through tough times with animal crisis intervention, referrals to credentialed experts, disaster response and animal resource sites. They can be reached at (518) 727-8591. Of course, these and all animal rescue groups are always looking for volunteers. [/private]