SOME OF THE FACES OF BLESSFEST 2013
We have some new faces at Blessfest this year and we know you are going to
be as excited about it as we are.
Blessfest is unlike any other pet event and we aim to keep it that way
No same old, same old for us
Allow me to introduce you to our newest friends and reaquaint you with old friends
(click on any logo to visit these sites)
In early 2012, Gini Green, a rescue volunteer and dog trainer in Vancouver BC started researching the possibility of introducing air transportation to Canadian rescue work. Having recently experienced the enormous stress and cost of doing a long distance ground transportation for a group of Huskies from a sled operation in Quebec across Canada to waiting homes and fosters in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and BC. It took over two weeks to accomplish at a cost of over $10,000. It was clear there HAD to be a better way to transport animals.
That was the seed which started Pilots N Paws Canada a volunteer based community of Canadian pilots, transport and foster volunteers along with volunteer rescue specialists to Canadian based rescue organizations, shelters and groups when they have animals in need transportation help within the boundaries of Canada.
Pilots N Paws now operates across Canada. Representatives from their Ontario chapter will be at Blessfest to fill you in on their exciting programme. You don't need to be a pilot to volunteer at Pilots N Paws.
Click Here To See Pilots N Paws in Action
LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA DOG GUIDES
Now the largest school of its kind in Canada, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has two training facilities in Ontario: one in Breslau and another in Oakville, both of which serve Canadians across the country.
Lions Foundation of Canada mission is to assist Canadians with a medical or physical disability by providing them Dog Guides at no cost. To do this, the Foundation operates Dog Guides Canada, a preeminent national training school and charity that assists individuals with disabilities through specialized Dog Guide programs. These Dog Guides are provided at no cost to eligible Canadians from coast to coast and you will have an opportunity to see some of these wonderful dogs in action.
Some of you will remember Kane, the puppy in training, everyone fell in love with
Click on Kane's picture to see Rick Mercer's introduction to these wonderful dogs
GLENN WILLCOX PHOTOGRAPHY
Local residents will probably recognize Glenn Willcox who, along with his wife Morag, are very active in the community. Between Morag's York Professional Pet Sitting service and Glenn's photography expertise, they must be one of the busiest couples in the area and two of the greatest animal lovers.
We are thrilled Glenn has agreed to be our official Blessfest photographer and will be on hand to take pictures of the animals that are blessed. You won't want to miss this opportunity because, believe it or not, the pictures are free.
His love and appreciation of animals is evident in every photo he takes.
Working directly with organic gardens and co-ops, many in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Whole World trade in Eco-ethical precious plants - teas, spices, essential oils, Tibetan incence, fruits, cashews and Saffron
They specialize in Precious Plants: Cert. Organic and Biodynamic agricultural products: teas, herbals, spices, Vanilla, Kashmiri Saffron, dried fruits, coconut, Tibetan Incense, essential Oils of India.
An array of fine teas will be offered in our Pavilion this year. You can enjoy a cup while you relax and take some home to enjoy later. What could be nicer than a hot cup of tea served by the experts.
Have your pet's nails trimmed free of charge by the people from Paws in the Bath.
What an innovative idea. The creator of this great place says Paws in the Bath was created "out of the love for our dogs and the complete dislike of bathing them in our homes. We found it stressful, difficult, very messy and really hate that wet dog smell!"
Now you don't need to worry, there is a place you can go to and bathe your dog in specially designed New Breed Dog Baths.
Come meet the folks from Paws in the Bath, learn about their business and have your pets nails trimmed at the same time. Doesn't get much better than that.
September 14, 2013
Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, ON
Our friends from K9 Country Inn are bringing their crew of canines who will awe you with their demonstrations. After they show you what they can do, you are invited to join in and have fun with your own dog competing in games and contests for terrific prizes
K9 Country Inn is a full service training and boarding facility offering a multitude of canine sports, Dockjumping, Disc,Agility and obedience. Their skilled team can help you and your canine companion enjoy one of the best relationships you will have in your lifetime.
Talk to their trainers, who will be on hand, about developing that great relationship in a fun, caring and interactive environment and join in the games and contests
We are going to have a Blessfest version of Ace Ventura. Kevin McCormick has 30 years experience in law enforcement and switched his sleuthing abilities to tracking animals. He spent over a decade involved in basic forensic evidence collection as a Scenes Of Crime Officer and processed hundreds of crime scenes. So if anyone is well equipped for the job, it's Kevin.
Trackers Edge is a multifaceted business that includes, among other things professional tracking services for lost pets
Kevin also teaches basic tracking, wilderness and urban survival and maintains supplies of selected dog handler products.
WINSLOW VETERINARY MOBILE SERVICES
Drop by and say hi to Dr. Barbara Winslow and find out about the mobil services she provides in the perfect setting.
Dr. Winslow does everything from vaccinations to laser work plus a whole lot more in a surrounding which won't stress out your pet. How could it? It's right in their own home.
A little of what housecall service means:
Not having to load stressed pets into carriers and vehicles
Not having to linger in a crowded waiting area with numerous other pets
Convenience for pet owners facing transportation or mobility challenges
THE PRIMROSE DONKEY SANCTUARY
SHE'S BACK - Come meet PrimRose
PrimRose is the 36 year old namesake of the sanctuary and the first resident. She has been at the sanctuary for 15 years. She is the one who started it all!
Primrose enjoyed herself so much last year she is bringing her friend Don Quixote with her
It is the mission of Toronto Wildlife Centre to promote the peaceful coexistence of people and wildlife by providing education and expert advice about wildlife situations, and providing medical care to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals with the ultimate goal of releasing healthy animals back into the wild.
Learn about the Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) A leader in the field of wildlife rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and education, providing a vital and unique service in Southern Ontario.
Toronto Crime Stoppers have received a lot of interest from people and organizations regarding the issue of animal cruelty. As a result Toronto Crime Stoppers is pleased to announce a new campaign called Tattle Tails.
Tattle Tails will raise awareness around the issue of animal abuse and encourage the public to contact Crime Stoppers if they suspect an animal needs assistance. Anyone providing a tip about animal cruelty can be eligible for a cash reward up to $2000.00.
Come meet the folks from Tattle Tails and learn more about this great programme which is a win, win effort for both the animals and the public.
THE GOOD GUYS CARTING DOGS
Founded in 1987, THE GOOD GUYS is a small group of dedicated dog owners who, in addition to participating in many other “doggie” disciplines, take time out to support worthwhile community services by way of fundraising events. These fundraising events help to show that dogs with responsible owners can be contributing members of a community. The committed members donate their time, talents, travel expenses and equipment (not to mention their dogs.) to make these successful events happen.
TCR relies on volunteers to foster cats in their homes until a cat lover adopts them. On average TCR have 300+ cats available for adoption.
With over 100,000 homeless street cats in Toronto, TCR is also very active in the Feral Cat community. They support and educate their volunteers in the care and feeding of feral cat colonies and support TNR(M): Trap, Neuter, Return, Monitor efforts