For the love of dogs

A dog-friendly charity day will be taking place in Pakenham this month. 187523_01

A dog-friendly charity day will be taking place in Pakenham this month, celebrating the therapeutic effects that our four-legged friends have on mental health.

Aptly titled ‘Doggy Day Out’, the event will feature over 30 market stalls, food trucks, activities for dogs and their owners, dog training demonstrations, dog yoga, jumping castles, face painters and more.

In partnership with headspace Narre Warren, Doggy Day Out aims to bring the community together and celebrate the positive effects that dogs have on our state of mind, as well as to educate the community on the ways in which they can help with mental health.

The Animal Assisted Therapy Program at headspace Narre Warren has been of enormous benefit to young people.

Pet Therapist at headspace, Sianon, says that dogs have the ability to regulate emotions during difficult moments.

“Dogs make you feel instantly a little bit more relaxed. They’re a really good distraction and help break the ice,” she said.

According to Sianon, her clients say her therapy dog, Romeo, “senses your good days and your bad days and makes sessions less clinical and more friendly and welcoming.”

There will also be a meditation zone where community members can relax, learn about mental health, and even participate in dog yoga – or ‘doga’.

A charity dog walk will also take place on the day to raise funds for headspace Narre Warren.

Attendees and their dogs will be able to join the walk for a gold coin donation.

The first 300 families to arrive at the event will receive a free showbag including a Kong toy for their dog. Dog owners from Pakenham and surrounding suburbs are encouraged to bring their furry friends along to meet other dog lovers in the area and support local businesses having a market stall on the day.

All proceeds from activities will be donated to headspace Narre Warren.

Doggy Day Out will be held on Sunday 25 November from 10am to 2pm. To find out more, visit the website: www.doggydayout.com.au or the Doggy Day Out Facebook page: www.facebook.com/doggydayoutevents/