The 19th annual Big Paws event got off on the right foot with a pledge walk at Lake Ontario Park.
Big Paws is hosted by the Kingston Humane Society and ran on Sept. 10. It featured 60 vendors from across the region, like Nancy Eastaugh from Quinte, who handcrafts apparel for small dogs and cats.
“I adopted my granddaughter’s Chihuahua and I couldn’t find anything to fit her. So I decided to start doing things for small dogs because most of the brands in the stores were too big for the little dogs,” said Eastaugh, owner of Dogz & Catz Boutique.
Eastaugh was a vendor at Big Paws last year and returned because she wanted to support the cause – which is helping local shelter animals.
“So it goes towards vet bills and animal care. It’s very imperative that we do these events to be able to raise money to help the animals,” said Tanya Wilson the event co-ordinator.
The event was free to the public and included exciting activities like hay rides and event musical chairs for canines, using doggy beds instead of pillows.
“It’s a wonderful event. It’s very dog-friendly. It’s very people-friendly. It’s a wonderful time,” said Charlene Burns, a first-time Big Paws eventgoer.
As for Eastaugh, she admits she will soon retire from her career as a Kindergarten teacher and will focus on her boutique full time.
“I’m kind of burnt out. I love the little ones. But it’s time to do something else,” laughed Eastaugh.
Judging by the dozens of stylish pooches at the pledge walk, the market for pet paraphernalia seems like it is here to stay.
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