Thousands Raised For Pet Rescue Organizations During New Canaan Dog Days of Summer

For the past three years Pet Pantry Warehouse (ppwpet.com) has organized and hosted the New Canaan Dog Days of Summer fundraiser to help support local pet rescue organizations, Adopt-a-Dog and Strays & Others Inc. The event, which is now in its 8th year, was held on Sunday, May 21, and raised $10,000 in proceeds that will be split between both beneficiary organizations. New contests, more activities and special features were added to the event which includes a bouncy house, petting zoo, face painter, family portrait photographers, caricature artist, top trainers that give complimentary training and behavioral advice and scores of free samples from quality pet food distributors.

"The event is known in town for being an old-fashion good time for the whole family," said Executive Vice President of Pet Pantry, Adam Jacobson. He continued, "We added a Bone Bar this year with treats, chews, and cookies to be shared with dogs and their humans and dogs enjoyed their own wine tasting – ZinfanTAIL and MalBARK (Black Label). The Scavenger Hunt came back this year, families worked together to figure out clues and complete our hunt. We had tables filled with prizes for everyone that solved all clues. And for the first time we offered on-site "adoptions" where well trained balloon dogs that walk politely on a leash were adopted for a $15 donation. Pet Pantry is donating all proceeds to our nonprofit partners."

Highlights from the annual Dog Days "FUN-raiser" are contests where dogs team up with their humans to win prizes as spectators watch from the sidelines. "These events are fun to participate in and fun to watch" said Jacobson. The Pie Eating contest and Musical Sits returned this year but brand new to the event lineup was the Spoon and Potato Race. During the race each handler is given a spoon that must be held in their leash hand. A potato is placed in the spoon and dog and handler must walk across the ring, around a chair, and back to the starting line. The dog and handler that complete the walk in the fastest time, with the fewest dropped potatoes, wins.

In addition to 100% of proceeds from the event going to nonprofit partners, Pet Pantry will also donate 10% from retail sales at their New Canaan store on the day of the event. "We are truly lucky to have such a caring family business in town," said Kristen Rice, Executive Director at Adopt-a-Dog. She continued, "Over the years this event has been critical in allowing us to fulfill our mission." This year's Presenting sponsors were Weruva and New Canaan Veterinary Hospital. Business sponsors included; Gregg’s Garden Center, Weed & Duryea, Bankwell and Moffly Media. Gold sponsors included; Blue Buffalo, Bravo. Merrick, Natures Variety and Open Farm. Silver sponsors included; Earthborn, Triumph, Health Extensions, Mars Pet Care, Petcurean, Primal, Stella & Chewy’s, Wellpet, Zignature/Fussie Cat.

For more information please visit New Canaan Dog Days on Facebook (facebook.com/NewCanaanDogDays/) and Pet Pantry Warehouse online (www.ppwpet.com). The Pet Pantry Warehouse will be bringing its Neighborhood Community-Based business to its newest location at 1191 E Putnam Ave in Riverside CT. For more information on the Riverside store opening or about the company please visit www.ppwpet.com or follow us @ppwpet.

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About Adopt-A-Dog:
Adopt-A-Dog is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission has been to Save, Socialize and Secure Loving Homes for Unwanted or Abandoned Dogs and Cats. Adopt-A-Dog have been serving the tri-state area and beyond for over three decades.

About Strays & Others:
Strays and Others is a nonprofit, no-kill, all volunteer-run animal welfare rescue agency based in Fairfield County, Connecticut. One of the oldest in the county, it was founded in 1985 and has provided medical care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and shelter for thousands of animals rescued from homelessness.

About Pet Pantry Warehouse (PPW):
The Pet Pantry Warehouse is an independent, family owned retailer founded in 1945 in Greenwich, CT. In 2006, PPW opened its second location in Rye, NY and have been slowly growing in close-knit communities since then with locations in Larchmont, Wilton and New Canaan. For close to 70 years, PPW has been the preferred place for pet products.