Pets Have Night of Their Own
By Robin Vinci | Editor at July 20, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Print
All kinds of breeds of dogs turned out Wednesday at Walnut Hill Park for the City’s 3rd Annual Pets-A-Palooza held during the Concert in the Park Series.
Pet grooming, a mobile dog service, New Britain animal control “take me home zone”, City of New Britain dog licensing, inflatable amusements, a cartoon artist, a photo booth, cat & dog food collections and a raffle table were among the activities provided.
Costco was on hand showing pet owners that they sold pet meds, pet food, dog beds and cat towers.
“We are probably the only one who has this kind of cat tower for this money,” said Mike Perugini, marketing coordinator who was there with Todd Cunningham, assistant general manager. “We went into pet meds about five years ago.”
Paul Mitchell North Haven had a line of shampoos and pet wipes for pets made by Paul Mitchell.
Chris Cheng, manager of Pet Value, told people what the company represents and talked about pet care.
“We want to partner with everyone so that their pets are nice, happy and healthy for as long as possible,” said Cheng. “We are giving out free samples.”
Pets also received goodie bags.
“The Connecticut Humane Society is the largest and longest running animal welfare organization in the State of Connecticut. We have been around since 1881,” said Elizabeth Merow of the organization. “We have four parts of our mission. First is make pets adoptable. Two is the Fox Clinic in Newington. We also do humane education and lastly we are involved in legislative action.”
During sessions they lobby for animal welfare. Over 4,600 pets have found homes through the organization.
93.7 fm radio station was also there from 5-7 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. the band “Tirebiter” took the stage.
Pets-A- Palooza was developed by the New Britain Commission on Animal Welfare as a celebration to promote responsible pet ownership and care through education and a fun filled evening of entertainment and visiting with vendors and rescue organizations.
“We are trying to celebrate animals in general and have them come down to the park,” said Erik Barbieri. “We have 13-15 vendors. The funds that we raise towards this go towards the New Britain Dog Pound and other charities the commission deems worthy. It’s a great event for everybody. It is a success. We are happy.”
Next Wednesday is another big night at the concert series as Mayor Erin Stewart and New Britain’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities celebrate the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with the 10th Annual “Walk and Roll” at Walnut Hill Park.
The event raises awareness for improving the quality of life for all residents, and celebrates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1980, signed into law by former President George W. Bush on July 26, 1990, which is now celebrating its 27th anniversary.
The event begins with a one mile/walk around Walnut Hill Park, which was created to include persons of various ability levels. All participants will receive a free t-shirt with the “Walk & Roll Ability” logo and refreshments. Raffle prizes and a variety of entertainment will also be provided. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will be providing free ice cream.
The event will also feature more than 30 advocacy agencies and organizations and other vendors, including Advanced Wheels, Advocacy Unlimited, America Job Center, Beacon Prescriptions, Capital Workforce Partners of New Britain, CW Resources, Connecticut Legal Rights Project, CTransit & CTfastrak, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Disability Rights of Connecticut, Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, Euro Homecare, the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Greater Hartford Transit District, Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute, Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Klingberg Family Centers, Liberty Homecare, Maria Colon, Mobility Works, New Britain Health Department, New Britain Lions Club, North Central Regional Mental Health Board, Pelton’s Home Health Care, Relay Connecticut, Roses for Autism, the Kennedy Center, the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut, the N.E.A.T. Center at Oak Hill, Trenado Realty Group, and Wheeler Health and Wellness Center.
“New Britain prides itself on being a welcoming community to residents and visitors of all backgrounds and abilities,” said Mayor Erin Stewart. “Our annual ‘Walk and Roll’ provides an opportunity to learn about the many resources available in our community, along with a chance to hear about all the amazing work that the members of our Commission on Persons with Disabilities do throughout the year.”
At 7 p.m. there will be free music from “Shaded Soul.”
