Somerset Hills YMCA holds first Strong Dogs Day

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

On Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Y is holding ‘Strong Dogs Day’ in its own backyard. All two- and four-legged friends are welcome. The day will kick off with a blessing of the hounds, followed by a dog walkathon around a local neighborhood with stations such as Treat Street, Water Works and Scooper Way set up to support the participants in this all-sidewalk, one mile walk. There will be games, contests and giveaways as well as lectures, obedience training, speakers and much more. Many local vendors, kennels, and groomers will also attend. All proceeds will benefit Strong Kids, the Y’s Financial Assistance Campaign.

Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies has signed on as presenting ‘Top Dog’ sponsor of Strong Dogs Day. Cherrybrook has two retail stores in Bedminster and Broadway NJ. TD Bank has signed on as the Puppy Love Sponsor; TD Bank has 1,100 locations nationwide. Other sponsors include Camp BowWow, who signed up as the Wagging Tail sponsor; Autosport Honda as the Cold Wet Nose sponsor, and PNC Bank, The Stable Ltd. and Tarheel Total Pet Care as Belly Scratch sponsors. Other opportunities are still available at most levels.

“The concept behind the event is to encourage the community to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle,” said Peter Barry, Director of Competitive Swimming at the Y and Strong Dogs coordinator. “Recently, there have been a number of reports that conclude that owning and walking a dog can lead to a healthier lifestyle. It’s along the lines of ‘Show me a healthy dog and I’ll show you a healthy family.’ When you consider the fact that more than 1,800 residents of Bernards Township alone have licensed dogs, we are expecting a terrific turnout that will benefit pet owners and our Strong Kids Financial Assistance Campaign. There will be plenty of promotions, dog ownership tips and giveaways for all attendees.”

For more information about Strong Dogs Day and opportunities to sponsor or be a vendor at the event, and to download the walkathon form, please visit www.somersethillsymca.org or contact Peter at pbarry@somersethillsymca.org or (908) 630-3531.

The Somerset Hills YMCA is a charitable community service organization, rooted in Christian values and dedicated to helping all people grow in spirit, mind and body. We are guided by our core principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

For more information, please visit www.somersethillsymca.org or call (908) 766-7898.