Scores of leashed canines and their loving owners are invited once again to trot the grounds visiting with vendors, enjoying refreshments, and participating in pet-friendly activities as part of the 14th annual Pet Carnival, sponsored by the North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws At Play Resort and Daycare.
The beloved yearly event, which is set for 1 to 4 p.m., embraces and celebrates all-things pet, and while it’s typically a ‘dog day afternoon,’ with hundreds of canines walking the City Green alongside their owners, other household pets have been known to show up, like turtles, rabbits, horses, cats, reptiles and birds. And since it’s a special day, many pets come dressed for the occasion donning bandanas, witty shirts, costumes and other fun apparel. For everyone’s safety, attendees are reminded that visiting pets must be leashed or contained in a carrier or other mechanism, and be personally cleaned up after – no one wants to step in doo-doo.
Started by North Royalton Animal Hospital Director Adam Hechko and his team, the Pet Carnival will feature a dog agility course, pet sketches and photos, a temporary airbrush tattoo artist, a DJ, balloon magician, the 4-H Petting Zoo, a children’s bounce house, crafts, and special visits from the Cleveland Animal Protective League Adoption Mobile and the North Royalton Police Department offering meet-and-greets with Bear, the department’s new K-9 officer.
Attendees will also have their share of vendor tables with representatives selling everything from pet collars to clothing to food bowls to backseat covers to animal-themed gifts and artwork. Pediatric Dentist Jen Hechko, wife of Adam Hechko, will also be on-site with her team from Brecksville Kids Dentistry along with the office therapy dog.
Scores of raffle baskets donated by Pet Carnival vendors and clients of North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws at Play Resort and Daycare will be set up beneath a large tent on the City Green. All ticket proceeds go towards three charities. Molly’s Mission, whose namesake Molly, a Shar Pei Mastiff mix, died in 2009 of complications from a canine mast cell tumor, is dedicated to subsidizing medical treatments and pet owners’ bills. Give Pets a Chance provides financial assistance to qualified pet owners in need throughout Ohio, and W.A.G.S. 4 Kids provides mobility service and autism service animals to children with special needs.
Nothing can beat the connection between people and their pets, and this special bond is always on full display at the yearly Pet Carnival. Some attendees come simply to enjoy an afternoon out with their animals, others walk the City Green “socializing” their dogs and meeting others, and other visitors come to see a specific vendor or participate in the fun activities. Whatever the reason, every pet is celebrated and cherished, just the way they should be.
“It gets bigger and better every summer with new vendors, but also many of the same vendors who just enjoy their time here so much that they come back each year,” said Deborah Haley, marketing manager of the North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws At Play Resort and Daycare. “It gets bigger too each summer in the amount of people and pets who attend. Last year, we had about 3,000 people attend. Dr. Hechko really has a commitment to the city and he and his team also lead other events throughout the year; the Pet Blessing at Saint Albert the Great Church coming up on October 6 at 2 p.m., a holiday open house and visits with the Easter Bunny. His heart too is in helping people who can’t afford veterinarian and pet medical services, and the Pet Carnival is also a way for him to talk to his clients outside of the office setting and get to know them outside of the office. It’s really just a great event all around.”
By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer