DogFest DFW 2023 supporting Canine Companions®
DogFest DFW 2023 supporting Canine Companions®
About DogFest DFW
Gather your friends, family and dogs for a day of fun!
The human-canine bond is truly unique. On our happiest and hardest of days, our dogs love us endlessly. They are our everyday heroes in so many ways. Whether as service dogs, working dogs or pet dogs, there are countless tales of man's best friend doing amazing things. Join the fun at your local DogFest or participate virtually as we celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives. Registration is free. Fundraising is encouraged. There are sponsorship , volunteer and vendor opportunities too!
DogFest DFW Schedule:
11:00 a.m. – Welcome from Brittany Rainey, meteorologist at CBS News Texas!
11:15 a.m. - Pet First Aid Demo by Arden Moore
12:00 p.m. - Guest speakers: Graduate team Zoe and Jay with Service Dog Zelda and Canine Companions service dog demo
12:30 p.m. – Dog contests: Best dog costume, best dog trick, dog/ human look-a-like contest, and wet t-shirt competition
Throughout the event:
- Dunk booth featuring Canine Companions Client Services Manager Aubree Wright and Puppy Program Manager Chandler Stokes (and a VERY special canine assistant!)
- Live Music from Jett Platt
- Meet Chase and Rubble from Paw Patrol as they gear up for the upcoming film, Paw Patrol the Mighty Movie!
- Arts and crafts projects and games for kids and dogs!
When registering, be sure to indicate you are bringing a dog to get your free DogFest dog bandana. Then fundraise to qualify for some fun DogFest swag!
Be sure to check out our Facebook event page for the latest on DogFest DFW, participate in dog-friendly activities and let people know why you are participating. You can even download this fun sign and let everyone know how your dog brings you joy.
DogFest supports the mission of Canine Companions to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs free of charge. These service dogs make a profound impact through the jobs they do like opening doors, picking up dropped items, alerting to sounds and much more.
Join us for the BEST of the metroplex! The best vendors, activities, all to help fundraise for the best service dogs in the metroplex!
Don’t miss out on DogFest DFW. Join the fun!
Canine Companions' Impact Since 1975
More Reasons to Support
Date
Starts at: September 30, 2023 11:00 AM
Ends at: September 30, 2023 2:00 PM
Location
The Sound at Cypress Waters
3111 Olympus Boulevard
Coppell,TX 75019 USA
Contact
Kathryn Rohloff
214-259-4671
Why We Fundraise
Canine Companions transforms the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs. Our dogs perform practical tasks that enhance independence and reduce reliance on others. They aren't just the eyes and ears, hands and legs of their human partners, they're also goodwill ambassadors and often, our best friends. A student achieves their dreams of attending college. A veteran gets a good night sleep. A patient can endure an additional procedure. Lives are transformed after being matched and working with a Canine Companions service dog.
According to the U.S. Census, nearly 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have a disability. While it costs approximately $50,000 to raise and train every Canine Companions service dog and provide ongoing support to the human-canine team, each dog is provided to the recipient completely FREE of charge. Canine Companions has placed over 7,500 service dogs, but more than 400 people with disabilities are still waiting for a match.
Our service dogs open up new opportunities and spread incredible joy. By raising funds through DogFest, you support our mission and the people we serve. Thank you.
Canine Companions in South Central Region
- 277 active graduates
- 127 active puppy raisers
Stories of Independence
When 12-year-old Zoe and her family started the process to receive a service dog from Canine Companions, they were hoping for a dog that would help Zoe be more independent. They found that and so much more in Service Dog Zelda.
Zoe was born with spina bifida and has used a wheelchair to get around since she was just 18 months old, making some daily tasks a challenge.
“We were looking for a service dog to help me do things I couldn’t do before,” shares Zoe. Now, she relies on Zelda’s professional training in more than 45 skills to give her the independence that every pre-teen desires.
Service Dog Zelda retrieves items Zoe may drop, such as her phone, and even helps her get ready for the day. Because Zoe gets dressed on her bed and not her wheelchair, if she drops a sock or an article of clothing it is out of reach, but Zelda is there to help. She also opens doors for Zoe using her nose to push automatic push plates, a crowd favorite at their church.
These types of tasks and more allow Zoe to turn to Zelda rather than her parents or her peers for help. Service Dog Zelda has meant independence and confidence for Zoe. But to her father, Jay, she’s meant even more.
“I see a best friend. I see someone who has taught Zoe to be thoughtful and mindful of others, taught her responsibility and become a member of the family,” he shares. “We can’t imagine life without Zelda.”
Sponsorship Spotlight
