Labrapalooza Returns to Bronte Creek Park on October 4

Any dog is welcome at Labrapalooza, not only labs, which is the first thing to know about the fundraiser coming to Bronte Creek Park on Sunday, October 4. The day runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and opens with a 2 km walk around the park, shortened for senior dogs.

After the walk everyone heads further into the park for the play half of the day: doggie games, cornhole, prize draws, popcorn and cotton candy. A professional dog trainer will be on site giving quick lessons, and there is agility work to watch. Bring a chair if you plan to stay a while, because the park has only a handful of benches.

The money goes to Lab Rescue, the Ontario organisation that takes in surrendered labradors and pays their vet bills before they are rehomed. Some dogs arrive needing a set of vaccinations, others need serious treatment, and the cost of that care is the reason the walk exists.

Registration is only needed if you are walking and collecting pledges, and walkers who raise a base pledge of $125 get a Labrapalooza t-shirt and a gift bag, while supplies last. Anyone coming for the play portion alone can just show up. Cash and cheque donations work too: download the pledge form, fill it in, and bring it along with what you collected to register at the entrance booth.

Every breed is invited, so bring whoever is waiting by the door at home!