TOWN OF DEWITT – Plenty of pooches were roaming about Jamesville Beach Dog Park last Saturday for the 12th annual Canine Carnival held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Presented by regional employment agency Staffworks, the fundraiser brought in vendors, pet adoption services and other local organizations.
One was the Onondaga County Animal Rescue Team, an all-volunteer response group that operates under the county’s emergency management department. In the past, the trained team members have assisted in saving horses stuck in the mud, dogs that have fallen through ice and escaped pets in the event of apartment fires.
Although called the canine carnival and not the feline festival, the CNY Cat Coalition also had a stand in the park that day, bringing with them a kindle of kittens for attendees to play with. The coalition focuses on halting cat overpopulation and homelessness through education on those subjects and veterinary care like spaying and neutering.
Pets Bring Joy Pet Supply made its debut at the event with treats, chew toys and supplements for dogs. Operated by local married couple Dan and Kayleigh Sandford, the business gets through to customers with its online store and pop-ups centered around natural, whole and organic products.
Under a nearby tent, Walking Miss Daisy Pet Accessories sold homesewn bandanas, bow ties and leashes for furry friends as well as reversible collars with themes tailored to campers, bikers, sports fans and celebrators of Halloween.
“The best part is watching all the dogs come around,” said Chyloe Frank, who named the business after her first rescue, Daisy. “It’s great when the owners love my product as much as I do—that’s why I do it.”
Canine Carnival was originated by Wayne Mahar, the former chief meteorologist for Syracuse’s NBC and CBS affiliate stations.
Mahar founded the event as a tribute to his mom, who loved animals and kept dogs and cats as companions for much of her life.
To date, about $400,000 has been raised and donated to Central New York and Mohawk Valley animal rescues through the partnership of the Canine Carnival and the Priscilla Mahar Animal Welfare Foundation, the supporting charity started after her 2007 passing.
“The money goes right back into helping the animal shelters because they do the hard work day in, day out,” Mahar said. “It’s a win-win-win.”
The title sponsor, Staffworks, was established in 1994 by Central New York native Anita Vitullo to provide temporary and direct staffing services in various fields.
To learn more about Staffworks, visit staffworkscny.com.
