Join us at the top of the hill on the City Green this August 7 for the 11th Annual Pet Carnival. That Sunday the event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
This annual celebration of community, family, and pets, hosted by Dr. Adam Hechko and the North Royalton Animal Hospital, attracts hundreds of animal lovers and four-legged friends from as far away as Akron and Canton. The 10th annual pet carnival greeted nearly 2,000 people and pets last year.
North Royalton Animal Hospital, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited practice of the year for 2015, and Paws at Play Resort and Day Care, located at 9027 Ridge Road in North Royalton, has as one of its core values the desire to be a community leader and foster relationships with our pets, pet families, and the residents of the city and surrounding communities. What nicer way to do that than to invite everybody over for a carnival each year?
There are always plenty of activities in addition to the many treats to be enjoyed by pets and people.
The APL mobile adoption unit will be there with pets that are waiting for a loving forever home. They also offer information about APL pet adoption if the four-legged love of your life just isn’t at the carnival that day.
There is always a lot of exciting bustle under the big tent; pet rescue groups, service dog information, specialty item vendors with just the right accessory for your pet, dog training guides, friends and acquaintances, and even some dog biscuits. There is entertainment and crafts all with pets and people in mind.
Kids can bounce off the walls at the bounce house.
Last year there was face painting, and special dog hats–for people. Cleveland Metroparks ranger, Will Collins and his K-9 partner Officer, Chase, gave demonstrations and talked about Officer Chase’s training and certifications. A member of the Metroparks horse mounted unit was there too. Attendants at this year’s carnival will again have the chance to meet a K-9 Officer and witness the amazing Metroparks horse mounted unit!
Each year, Dr. Adam Hechko and the wonderful people from the North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws at Play Pet Resort come out and play. Dr. Emily Roach, Dr. Lisa Schwan, and Dr. Josephine Bryk-Rose will be there to say hello and answer questions. Many other staff members are there to assist with doggie treats, pictures, and the doggie agility course.
North Royalton Animal Hospital is not only providing pet friendly fun at the City Green though.
Did you know there is an agility course at the new Metroparks Aukerman Park? It is on York Road just north of the Valley Parkway. Aukerman Park is an on-leash pet friendly park with mowed natural pathways, water sources, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, benches, and great agility equipment for your dog. The agility equipment was donated by Dr. Hechko and the North Royalton Animal Hospital because agility is important for your dog’s body as well as alertness for his mind. It is great fun for your dog before and after the pet carnival.
Come on out and play. Have fun with your favorite four-legged friend, it’s a healthy, happy, pet friendly day for all.
Pet Carnival is hosted by Dr. Adam Hechko, and the staff of the 2015 AAHA accredited practice of the year, North Royalton Animal Hospital, and Paws at Play Resort and Day Care, located at 9027 Ridge Road, North Royalton Ohio (440 237 7691). www.northroyaltonanimalhospital.com.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer