We were a little worried, in the lead up and not sure if there was going to be a Dog Days of Summer event this past Sunday. Friday night the wind was crazy strong and blew six of our tents into the ocean, then the heavy rains came late Saturday evening with no clearing in sight. The whole thing was saved by friends who came with extra tents. Then the clouds parted, the sun shone, and the dogs arrived! in costume and it was a great day!
Yes, the weather co-operated, but it was the continued community support we have received over the years that has made this a successful event and fundraiser.
We could not have pulled off this event without the essential service of volunteers. Because of your help, we were able to raise money for BC Guide Dog Services and, this year, Bowen Island C.A.W.E.S. Thank you so much: Sue Lieske, Marnie Pereverzoff, Hayley Mythen, Karla Saruk, Donna Baker, Mike Brannon, Ellen and Drake Nickle (and Ellen’s visiting girlfriends from Chilliwack), Dean Nickle, Earl, Ripper, all the USSC Marina staff. Also, thank you to our newbie volunteers: Penny Naldrett and her daughter Ainslie, Courtni McGillivray and her son Jack.
We would like to thank our judges: Dee Elliot, Karen Munro, Moira Steward and Harry Monahan. Thanks to all our vendors: Bowen Island Vet, Bowen Island Dog Ranch, BC Guide Dog Services, C.A.W.E.S., Dogwood Rescue, Dayna Woodman (Noah’s Barque Pet Care) and the Knick Knack Nook.
Of course it wouldn’t be Dog Days without all the great raffle prizes. Thank you BOWEN BUSINESSES for donating really amazing items for our raffle baskets. The winners were all so excited! Thank you: Alderwood Farm, Artisan Eats, Bell’ochio, Barcelona, Bowen Pet Supply, Bowen Island Golf, Bowen Island Flower Shop, Bowen Roaster, Bowen Island Tattoo Shop, Cates Pharmacy, Cloud Flower Clayworks, Connie Wright, Conscious Cosmetics, Cocoa West, Dogwood Rescue, Emilie Kaplun, Juniper Studio Gallery (Vickie), Nature Encounters, Phoenix, Ruddy Potato, Rustique Bistro, Snug Coffee House, the Soup Fairy, USSC Gift Shop, Village Baker and Wren. We also would like to thank Harbour Air for providing a fantastic prize of two tickets for their Vancouver Panorama Experience flight.
Here’s a BIG call out to our sponsors. Every year we ask and every year they provide! The primary source for our funding is from these businesses. Their donations go directly to BC Guide Dog Services. We thank you very, much for your continuous support!
Huge gratitude to Artisan Office Services, Bowen Pet Supply, Bowen Island Pub, Bowen Island Dog Ranch, Evergreen Acres Riding Centre, Nature Encounters, MacDonald Realty (Dee Elliot, Frazer Elliot and Mary Lynn Machado), Irly Bird Building Centre, Snug Cove General Store and the Union Steamship Co. Marina.
We would also like to thank the unstoppable Conni Smudge for helping to MC, along with Bill Thorton, the director of BC Guide Dog Services. Conni you were a hoot and thank you for brining Angie up to the judges tent.
Most of all ~ a HUGE thank you to my husband, Paul (one of the strongest men on Bowen!) and our own Fairy Flagger, Jewal Maxwell. She is a “jewal” to me because I could never have pulled off this event with out all her help.
Basia Lieske
