Paige Seburn
The Lake Report/Niagara Now

Kathy Weier wasn’t going to let a little rain stop her or her pooch Sandy from enjoying a day out at Paws on the Trail.

Weier and Sandy joined dozens of other dog owners at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, Sept. 7 for the Upper Canada Heritage Trail committee’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

The third annual walk wasn’t just a fun outing for her and Sandy; it was also about supporting the restoration and expansion of the heritage trail, a place they visit regularly.

Paws on the Trail saw more than 50 participants and their furry friends enjoying a scenic, traffic-free walk along the trail, while helping support the trail’s expansion.

For Weier, restoring the trail is key. Being a local, she values having a well-maintained trail for their regular walks.

Sandy proudly sported a new bandana and munched on her new beef trachea treats that Weier picked up from one of the vendors.

“The dogs all loved it,” she said. 

At the end of the walk, participants were rewarded with plants and each dog received a medal for their efforts.

Committee chair Rick Meloen said organizers expect to raise around $10,000 this year, which is more than double what was raised last year. 

“We’re very happy about that. And we’re very happy about the support that people have been giving. The people coming today are very supportive of the trail, since many of them are frequent, daily users,” he said.

The fundraiser featured various vendors showcasing things like dog accessories and treats, as well as a doggie kissing booth and swag bags for both pets and their owners. 

Meloen said area businesses donated prizes and cash to support the cause, including Gatta Homes, Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, The Village, Bosley Real Estate, Irish Design, Niagara-on-the-Lake Realty, Oast House, Pet Valu, Sunset Grill, Willy’s and Upper Canada Mechanical.

Ashley Briggs-Jude from Pets Alive, a vendor at the event, said there was a dual purpose in their participation.  

They were there to showcase dogs available for adoption and to raise awareness, she said, one of the pups being being Forest, a friendly dog eager to find his new home. 

Although adoptions were slow this summer, she said events like Paws on the Trail provide valuable exposure. 

People love Forest and every bit of exposure helps, she said. 

“The photos just don’t do him justice. He helps raise the money — he sells the product,” Briggs-Jude said.

Eden, a street dog from Barbados who arrived last year, was rescued by Pets Alive. Laura Fakla, who helped organize the fundraiser and volunteers with the organization, adopted Eden in November.

Gail Hawkins, who brought her dog Otis, said the fundraiser was a great community gathering for a worthy cause. 

“The heritage trail is an amazing spot for everybody. We walk along there regularly,” she said.

Hawkins was recognized for her generosity with the largest donation of the day, contributing $525. She was awarded a prize for her outstanding support. 

Weier was also celebrated for her contributions. She won a prize of dog treats for Sandy and was honoured as the fourth-most generous donor.