Fur was flying on Saturday, June 14, at Wana B Park in Carmichaels, PA, as dozens of happy hounds and their excited owners attended the 2nd Annual Doggie Day Out Event. The event was hosted and organized by Horse and Hound Hilltop Haven, a local 501 (c) (3) nonprofit animal rescue, located in Carmichaels, PA, that helps both small and large pets find forever homes and sanctuary in times of need.
The event had multiple activities for both humans and their furry friends to participate in. This included a 5K race and a mile-long Fun Run, a blessing of the pets performed by Reverand Donald Wilson of Waynesburg, PA, and a Fun Dog Show, a new event for 2025, which became a favorite among the crowd. This dog show wasn’t based on traditional breed categories, but rather on fun attributes like “Softest Ears” and “Looks Most Like Owner,” as well as showcasing their talents like an “Agility Course Race” and “The Quickest Sniffer.” Local Greene County businesses and vendors also had booths set up for attendees to visit, such as Willow Tree Bakery and Waynesburg Milling Company. There were even food trucks set up specifically for the dogs, like Scoop Dog Canine Creamery, that allowed pups to pick out their favorite ice cream flavor with a push of a button! Overall, 53 dogs and their owners signed up to participate in the day’s various activities and even more came for a fun day at the park with their pups.
The event also included resources for local pet owners on a budget, such as a low-cost vaccination and grooming clinic set up at the park’s pavilions. Other local animal rescue and related businesses had booths and workshops set up to help with training, and some even brought along adoptable dogs and puppies to help find them a home of their very own.
The Executive Director of Horse and Hound Hilltop Haven, shares that the Doggie Day Out event started as both a way to fundraise for the organization, but to also allow dog owners to socialize their pets, entertain them, show off their unique skills and talents, and share their passion for man’s best friend with other local dog lovers. They share that all the money fundraised will directly go to helping with vet bills & training for any dogs that come into their care throughout the year.
Although the rescue is new to the county, Horse & Hound Hilltop Haven has already made a big impact on the lives of pets and farm animals in the region. The rescue would also like to thank the town of Carmichaels for rallying around their event and all the sponsors that helped make the event possible.
