My family and I (including Titan!) just spent a week up in Muskoka and it was spectacular! The Marriott in Bracebridge, which is pet friendly, provided us a beautiful room, and, most importantly, buffet breakfast included. The calm lake, the wonderful hotel service, the hiking, the pool and, of course, the ice cream made it a perfect staycation for us.   It was just the right solution to the “I-need-to-get-away-from-it-all” cry for relaxation. While we were there, we attended an open-air concert by the lake and we saw a multitude of people who were enjoying the evening out with their pups. We were pleasantly surprised to know that many people would be attending the first ever Dog Fest Muskoka!

On July 22 at 9:30am, the Anne Williams Park in Bracebridge, Muskoka, will be the venue for a raging fun fest that will have action packed pupformances; some of which include “Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show” and “Woofjocks Canine Allstars”. I’m excited – if the event is as intense as the name then we’ve got some serious athletic pups on our hands! If you want a preview, check out their website www.dogfestmuskoka.ca and get a load of the talent.

If you’re like me and want to take advantage of the day out to shop, make sure you visit the vendors. There will be a great mix of pooch and non-pooch shopping ops to make everyone happy.   “Totally Pawsome”, “Therapeutic Paws”, and, “Cozy Pup Creations” are just a few out of 100 vendors that will make an appearance. If you need a break from shopping, grab a cold beer at the beer tent and listen to some live tunes from six different local artists. When you’re rested up, head out again and find a cherished piece at the silent auction. Don’t be shy to spend; all proceeds will be going to the OSPCA and the Muskoka Children’s Foundation.

This summer has been absolutely action packed with doggie festivals! They are all a great day to get away and be with the family, meet up with friends, shop, eat and show our four-legged companions a great time. However, each pup event this summer has been made unique with the cause that the event was supporting and the story behind its inception that has made it heart warming. Above all, the support it provides our local community pups and pet parents have made them special. Dog Fest Muskoka is no exception. This event is being held in honour of Stephen Hern who passed away September 27^th, 2016. Stephen was born in Huntsville, Ontario and grew up in Muskoka. Being an animal and nature lover, he created a page called “Let’s Make Bracebridge Great” which brought to light all the wonders that make up this piece of cottage country and that draw people to it each year.   His parents decided to combine the two things that he loved the most, people and pups, to keep his memory and his dream alive; and this is how the first annual Dog Fest Muskoka was born. Stephen, never seen without his pup-sidekick Winston. Winston and Steve were inseparable, I don’t think he loved anyone more. Winston is a Shar Pei/Jack Russell. He is so smart and so well behaved and certainly a local celebrity. Winston has taken his loss so badly: he often stares almost like he is waiting for his dad. But he is very happy and runs in the same park he did with his dad. Stephen was young in his passing; but while he was with us, he touched many lives and was loved by all who knew him.

We know this event will be, not only a successful fundraiser for local charities, but also a fitting tribute to the life and spirit of Stephen and his passion for his community – biped and quadruped alike!

Toronto Dog Spot is proud to be the Official Blog Partner of this great event and we hope to see the Muskoka community and everyone’s furry besties out to support this great cause!

Location: Anne Williams park in Bracebridge, Muskoka
Date: Saturday July 22nd 2017
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm