DogFest Long Island 2023 supporting Canine Companions®
DogFest Long Island 2023 supporting Canine Companions®
About DogFest Long Island 2023
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 assistance 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!
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 Long Island, 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.
Event Schedule:
10:30am- Registration Opens
11:00am- Welcome to DogFest Ceremony
11:15am- Graduate Speaker Michael Brennan and his Service Dog Claudio
11:30am- Certificate Ceremony
12:00pm- Costume Parade and Prizes
1:30pm- Silent Auction (Be sure to add your information beforehand!)
2:00pm- DogFest ends
Don’t miss out on DogFest. Join the fun!
Canine Companions' Impact Since 1975
More Reasons to Support
Date
Starts at: October 28, 2023 10:00 AM
Ends at: October 28, 2023 1:00 PM
Location
Marjorie R. Post Community Park
451 Unqua Road
Massapequa Park,NY 11762 USA
Contact
1-800-572-2275
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 Northeast Region
- 457 active graduates
- 220 active puppy raisers
Stories of Independence
Meet Ava and Service Dog Ogden
In October 2021, 14 year old Ava and her family were invited to attend Team Training at the Miller Family Campus of Canine Companions, and was perfectly matched with Service Dog Ogden.
Ava’s mom, Jenn says the greatest moments between Ava and Ogden are the most subtle ones. “When Ava initiates contact with him, whether it be a little pat as she passes him by or spontaneously picks up a toy to throw to him, we are reminded of how Canine Companions has forever changed our family.” They continued that “an unexpected benefit we’ve encountered is the sense of pride and responsibility that is emerging in Ava. She’s in charge of feeding Ogden twice a day while he patiently waits as she prepares his food. Ava has difficulty expressing herself verbally, but she’s learned to give Ogden the command to “eat.” We’ve noticed a little glimmer, or possibly a smirk, on her face when he reacts to her verbal approximations.”
Sometimes Ava is frustrated by being unable to express her feelings. Occasionally she will burst into tears with her family unsure of the cause. Immediately, Ogden is there with his favorite toy, wagging his tail and making Ava smile. It’s just a natural bond that cannot be taught.
Jenn says Ava and Ogden have a deep connection with each other. “Though Ogden has only been with us for a few months, we cannot imagine our home without him.”
Your support of DogFest Long Island helps make more placements, just like Ava and Ogden, possible.
Meet Michael Brennan and Service Dog Claudio
Michael Brennan of Bohemia is a U.S. Air Force and Air National Guardsman veteran, and along with his service dog Claudio, is one of Canine Companions newest service dog teams! After spending several years completing multiple tours overseas, Michael had a traumatic experience that affected his life for the next 20 years. After learning about Canine Companions from a fellow veteran, Michael was matched with service dog Claudio in May, 2023. Claudio is a 2 year old lab/golden retriever cross specially bred and trained by Canine Companions to help Michael manage his symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress. Claudio is trained to help Michael by interrupting nightmares, turning lights on in a darkened room, creating space in a crowded public environment, and interrupting anxious behaviors to name just a few. Michael wants his fellow veterans to know that it’s ok to ask for help. “You are not alone. Canine Companions is waiting to help you. Come to our events like DogFest Long Island and find out more. Claudio has made all the difference for me. He’s a godsend!”
Sponsor Spotlight
North Fork Boutique Gardens (NFBG) is a proud Happy Tails Sponsor for DogFest Long Island! NFBG is a premier wholesale supplier of perennials, grasses, ferns, groundcovers and Northeast natives. Aside from supplying plants to retailers across the Northeast, they specialize in custom grown plant material for both large and small projects. Some of their custom plant material can be found all over the Greater New York City Area in places like the Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Bridge Piers, The United Nations, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Irish Hunger Memorial, and on Roosevelt Island!