‘Paws for a Cause’ during L.L. Bean’s ‘Dog Days of August’ Canine Carnival

Coastal Humane Society and L.L. Bean will team up for a fantastic day of furry fun on Saturday, August 14. “The Dogs Days of August” will celebrate the family dog and help support Coastal’s canines!

Kelly Warsky, L.L. Bean’s manager of retail promotions, is the organizer for “Dog Days of August” and other community events, like the summer concerts . She described the idea behind the dog event: “In the fall we feature working dog events and based on the success of those, we decided to also create a day honoring the pet dog. This day will be all about pampering your pooch. People can bring their best friend to this canine celebration. Dogs will rule in Discovery Park [ For legal reasons, pets can’t be allowed in the store.] The day’s theme will be “canine ed-u-tainment” and will feature demonstrations by dog handlers, contests, pet massage, pet caricature artists, face painting (for people!), obedience instruction from experts, medical info, a test to certify dogs as “Canine Good Citizens,” and a pet photographer. Planet Dog will provide a wet and wild doggy play station. There will be a separate puppy play area, and Slugger – biggest dog of them all – will be there with sea biscuits. Former Governor Angus King, a huge dog lover, will be on hand as the event’s “Master of Ceremonies.”

Loraine Snyder, CHS board trustee in charge of the dog walk fundraiser said, “The day will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with Coastal’s most important fund raiser for the year, ‘Paws for a Cause,’ which will have canines strolling right through downtown Freeport . This big parade of dogs all leashed up and walking together through town will definitely be a spectacle worth seeing!”

After the walk, contests will range from “most donations collected” through best “kisser,” “barker,” and “tail wagger,” and finally “best dressed” (owner/dog look-a-likes promoted!). For info about participating in the dog walk visit the shelter at 30 Range Rd. Brunswick, the website at coastalhumanesociety.org, or call 725-5051, ext. 14. For even more fun and friendly rivalry you can challenge teams of your friends or workmates to compete for the most money raised.

Executive director of CHS, Karen Stimpson, encourages, “If you don’t wish to collect pledges, participate anyway – you can just walk your own dog, or walk a CHS adoptable dog for a donation of $20. The Coastal Humane Society will also have a booth with adoptable dogs, plus an ‘Ask the Vet’ and an ‘Ask the Trainer’ table for your pet-related questions. A low cost Rabies Clinic, (dogs only), is scheduled for the afternoon – make sure to bring your current dog license and prior rabies vaccine info.”

L.L. Bean decided to include Coastal Humane Society in the Dog Days activities because, according to Warsky, “It feels good to partner with an organization that has such a great mission. Coastal Humane Society is doing good work. We are thrilled to collaborate on the Dog Days event, to help increase visibility for the shelter, and to raise more dollars for the care of homeless pets. We are hoping for a record-breaking fund raiser. I encourage everyone to come out for the day. Even if you don’t have a dog – (and you might find one at the CHS adoption booth!) it will just be a whole lot of fun.”

“Paws for a Cause” details

Date: Saturday, August 14 (rain or shine)

Activities and walk check-in begin: 8:30 a.m.

Paws for a Cause dog walk and parade begins at 9 a.m.

L.L. Bean Dog Days of August carnival activities: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pre-register NOW for the walk, until day of event:

Kathy Sullivan at 725-5051 x14 or ksullivan@coastalhumanesociety.org

Dog walk route through downtown Freeport TBA

Pledge forms can be found on the CHS website: coastalhumanesociety.org

Or at the shelter: 30 Range Road, Brunswick

Bring collected pledge money, donations, and completed pledge forms to the check-in area on day of the event at 8:30 a.m.

The events will be held rain or shine – come prepared for the day’s predicted weather

NOTE: no cats or other animals please!

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