Westchester County's Biggest Dog-Centered Celebration Is Ready For Its Walk

YORKTOWN, NY — The dog days of summer are arriving a little early this year.

SPCA Westchester will host its Dog Walk and Pet Fair on May 16 at FDR State Park, in Yorktown Heights. Organizers describe the celebration as the largest dog event in Westchester County. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 1,000 animal lovers from throughout the tri-state area are expected, according to SPCA Westchester.

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Pet enthusiasts and their dogs are invited to join a trail walk and a pet fair featuring Meow and Wooftown Village, which will include more than 50 vendors.

The event also will include dog agility demos, an interactive dog park playground, lure coursing, a nosework sniffari area, food trucks, kid activities, music, and adoptable dogs and puppies, according to SPCA Westchester.

Lisa LaRocca of News12 Westchester is scheduled to cut the official Dog Walk ribbon with SPCA Westchester CEO Shannon Laukhuf and this year's SPCA mascot, "Eleanor."

Eleanor is one of the 1,500 Ridglan Farm beagles rescued in a headline-grabbing operation. The rescue of the beagles drew international attention after the Ridglan Farms medical research breeding facility was cited with hundreds of animal welfare violations. SPCA Westchester said Eleanor and nine other beagles are now being cared for at the group's Rescue Center and are available for adoption.

The event is geared to families and dog owners, and pre-registration is not required to attend. Those who want more information or who want to register in advance can visit the SPCA Dog Walk website.