Paws on the Trail promises to be a lot of fun, with far more than a walk — there are dog massages, a dog kissing booth, a dog photographer and a dog communicator.
A four-legged fundraiser for the next phase of rehabilitating Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Upper Canada Heritage Trail will be held Saturday, May 20, offering a opportunity to enjoy the restored portion of the trail.
The off-road, Paws on the Trail event starts at Memorial Park and offers a two- or four-kilometre choice.
There are great draw prizes — many stores and sponsors have contributed gifts that will be in the prize draw.
May 20 is also dog rescue day, and a rescue organization will be onsite.
The first 50 dogs get a bag of treats, food and toys. Pre-event outdoor booths will feature a doggie “kissing booth,” dog massage, dog photographer, dog communicator and more, all to raise money for the restoration of the heritage trail.
The second phase of reconstruction will take place along Concession 1 from East and West Line to Line 3. Participating in the walk will support its development, while promising “doggie fun” for all canines and canine lovers.
Phase one involved the removal of some trees and underbrush along two stretches of the trail, between John Street through to Charlotte, and from Charlotte out to East and West Line. Improvements were made to the trail surface, making it accessible for all activities, including walking, running, biking and horseback riding.
Barb Gelb uses the trail regularly with Lake, her energetic four-year-old Hungarian vizsla.
She and Lake took part in last year’s dog walk, and both enjoyed it. “We walked with people we knew, and dogs we knew. The weather was great, and it was a lovely day.”
She says if anyone is nervous about how their dogs might react to a crowd, “there is plenty of room to give your dog some space. It didn’t feel crowded at all. You can space yourself out.”
She says Lake has become reactive with groups of dogs, and Gelb will be keeping an eye on her. “If I want to separate her I know I can do that.”
The trail “is really a lovely place for everyone to walk,” she says, “providing a good surface and nicely shaded areas.”
Gelb used the trail before its restoration, and says it was okay, sometimes muddy, but has definitely been improved for walking.
The impact on the trail “hasn’t been that great,” she said. “People were worried it might change the look or feel of it, but it really hasn’t. It’s been minimally invasive.”
The changes have been positive, she added, making the restored section more accessible, and providing a better surface for all walkers, but especially for those for mobility problems who use scooters or canes.
And for dog walkers who have to get out every day, it’s a great location.
“If you feel like you want to support a local cause, this is a way to improve options for walking your dog, or just for walking, and the event should be fun.”
Rick Meloen, chair of the town’s Heritage Trail committee, says that a group of committee members and volunteers have worked hard to make this event a lot of fun and educational for local dog lovers.
There is limited participation so early sign-up is encouraged.
The cost to register for the walk is $45 (plus a small Eventbrite fee).
Check-in is at 9 a.m. The walk starts at 10 a.m. from NOTL’s Memorial Park on Veterans Way.
All funds will go towards enhancing and continuing the Heritage Trail. Donations are welcome and there will be a prize for the largest donations.
A sponsor form, registration and further details can be found at www.heritagetrail.ca.
