A couple of weeks ago, my mother in-law called me and asked why Buffalo didn’t have a festival dedicated to dogs. She had read about a program that took place in another city and thought that it would be the perfect fit for Buffalo. I told her that she would be happy to hear that Buffalo does indeed have a festival that is dedicated to dogs, called Run for Rover. Sponsored by the Pet Emergency Fund, Run for Rover is now in its seventh year and takes place at LaSalle Park at the mouth of the Niagara River.
From a 5k race for humans to a one mile pet walk to a kids’ race… and of course the animal parade and costume contest… this is a day that is dedicated to pets and their people as they celebrate the joys of two and four-legged friendship. All of this takes place on Sunday, July 21.
Here’s the line-up:
Check-In for 5K race and pet walk 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
5K race at 9am (USATF-certified 5K racecourse)
1 mile pet walk at 10 am
Kids’ race at 11:30 am
Animal parade at noon
Pet costume contest at noon (learn more)
Prizes will be awarded in eight categories:
Best owner and pet look-alike costumes
Best homemade costume
Scariest
Cutest
Funniest
Most glamorous girl
Most macho boy
Best celebrity look-alike costume
Entry forms are available by contacting Nancy Fredrickson at 716-883-8544. Or, visit the PEF website at www.PetEmergencyFund.org. All proceeds from “Run for Rover” and Mary’s plaques* go to the PEF general fund to help local veterinarians provide care for animals in need.
*Artist Mary VandenBergh has been making custom paw print plaques each year at Run for Rover, and this year she is being hailed as one of the leading individual fundraisers for the event as she attempts to surpass the $65,000 donation mark (grand total) for the Pet Emergency Fund. “That lofty sum will bethe largest single on-going contribution to PEF outside of memorial gifts and estate bequests,” said PEF President Susan Mineo, DVM. Mary is just one of the canine vendors who shows up at the festival to not only help the cause, but to help solidify the bond between pets and their people. “I knew I could create a more exciting product [than the standard custom bricks available at other festivals],” said the former Alden Public Schools art teacher. “The objective was to create a customizable plaque that would be durable, quick to make, inexpensive to produce, and affordable for everyone.”
Run for Rover | Sunday, July 21 | 9am – 1pm
All Day
Shop at the many unique boutiques at our Pet Fair
Organized kids’ activities by Rolly Pollies
Free dog washing by Medaille Vet Tech Club
Free pet sitting for runners
Animal trainer demonstration
Animal rescue, adoption and welfare agencies
K-9 service dog demonstration
Entertainment
Prizes
Mary’s Plaques: 7 am until 1 pm