By Zoe Deal The American Kitchen building at Peace Arch State Park will come alive with yips, woofs and barks at the fourth annual Puppy Rescue Mission Fundraiser on Saturday, June 29.
Birch Bay pet supply store Bow Wow & Woofs is hosting the event to support Puppy Rescue Mission, a national organization which focuses on bringing home both military and stray dogs that soldiers bond with on assignment, especially in war zones.
The event began in 2016 after Bow Wow & Woofs owner Heather Campbell met a local serviceman who was reunited with his companion with the help of Puppy Rescue Mission. In the years since, Campbell has been a huge supporter of the organization, holding these events with the goals of getting the community involved in the project and honoring veterans.
With fun for animals and humans alike, the festival consistently draws around 300 attendees, who have collectively raised more than $60,000 and helped to rescue over 70 puppies, Campbell said.
The day will begin at 11 a.m. with a Paws Across the Border dog walk, where dogs from both Canada and the U.S. will pad through the Peace Arch. Dogs who choose to dress up can be entered in the Patriotic Pooch Contest, judged by Scott Less from 92.9 KISM. There have been rumors that a Great Dane in a sailor suit will be in attendance.
Attendees can enjoy drinks from the Boundary Bay Brewery beer garden, as well as a barbeque feast including pulled pork, grilled chicken, spinach salad, baked beans, slider rolls and coleslaw. About 30 vendors and local veteran groups are expected to fill the park in total.
The day will also include a silent auction, along with a live auction featuring a guitar autographed by The Rolling Stones, a trip to White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, a Spider-Man comic signed by Stan Lee and more.
Later in the day, veterans will take the stage to share the stories of their pups and how the dogs of Puppy Rescue Mission have impacted their lives.
“You leave as a different person after hearing them. It’s a very touching event,” Campbell said.
There are currently two Puppy Rescue Mission dogs in Whatcom County, one of which was delivered with funds from a past festival. Veteran speakers will be coming from around the region and country.
Tickets to this event are $20 and include parking. For more information, call 360/332-3647 or visit puppyrescuemissionfundraiser.com.
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