BY TONY CARTO
The event is free, but it will have a few pay activities, with those fees donated to Safe Haven Humane Society of Jo Daviess County.
SCALES MOUND, Ill. — When Dogland Park first opened almost a year ago in Scales Mound, one of its goals was to provide a fun place for dogs to play and exercise with their owners in a controlled environment.
The five-acre facility will live up to that promise when it co-hosts Pet Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4.
“We wanted to have a day where we can have fun with our pets and we also want to help those pets that have no home yet,” said Sue Nicolini, owner of Moon Valley Pet Lodge and Dogland Park.
She said the event is free, but will have a few pay activities, with those fees donated to Safe Haven Humane Society of Jo Daviess County in Elizabeth.
“This is a chance to partner with other businesses in the region to promote our fun, family-friendly industry,” said Mary Erschen, owner of Fun Day co-sponsor Fido Fit in Dubuque.
Nicolini said Fido Fit will stage the agility competitions and the day also will feature a pet expo showcasing at least eight tri-state area pet businesses with services ranging from grooming to nutrition.
Other fun pet events include “best-dressed” dog, owner and dog look-alikes, best dog trick, stupidest dog trick and most obedient dog. Prizes will be awarded. Tucci’s, Elizabeth’s new Italian restaurant, will serve hot dogs and chili dogs.
Safe Haven board treasurer Kay Day said the facility opened in 1998 to provide foster homes for animals.
She said it now works with humane societies throughout the area, taking in homeless cats and dogs.
“We’re currently experiencing an increase in the number of people that have to give up pets because of financial circumstances,” Day said.
She said Safe Haven can hold up to 10 dogs and about 20 cats and has helped more than 1,000 animals since opening.
