Who let the dogs out?
Pets across town and their two-legged family members are preparing for the event of the season this weekend: Kahnawake’s first Dog Masquerade Pawty.
“We’re hoping to see a lot of community members during the event. Whether they’re participating or just observing, we want everyone to have fun and see all the different costumes,” said Jamie Diabo, who runs Jamie’s Pet Services and is one of the organizers of the event.
Diabo got involved in putting together the parade after hearing about the idea from Tekaronhiahkhwa Standup, who had seen Akwesasne hold a similar event – called Strut Your Mutt – last year.
Standup joined forces with Diabo, Sandra Schurman, Jessie Beauvais, and Ioniehtenhawi Brittany Beauvais for the event, which is set to take place on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Karonhianónhnha Tsi Ionterihwaienstáhkhwa.
“We’re a committee of five ladies who just love dogs, and who just wanted to do something fun for pet parents,” Diabo said.
It’s set to be sunny on Sunday, but in the event of rain, the parade will be moved to the following Sunday, October 27.
The event is free for all, thanks to sponsorship from Mohawk Gas & Mini Mart, as well as Wheels Wholesale. James Day’s Haunted Dogs will also be on site, and Animal Control Services will be on hand to provide free promotional items, like tick removal tools.
Animal Control will also be seeking responses for their community consultation survey, which is open until October 26, as well as promoting their low-cost microchip clinic, which is taking place on the same day that the survey closes.
“Our community is growing and with that so is our pet population,” she said. “If there’s any services that the community would like to see in the future, we would like to hear about it and hopefully incorporate more services with our department.”
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Community members are invited to sign up in advance to participate in the event by contacting Diabo by phone at 438-341-6160 or email at [email protected], though any pet owners who decide their pooch is ready for the runway at the last minute are still welcome to show up without registering.
“It’s been a really fun and interesting process putting this together,” Diabo said. “We’re hoping to make this an annual event for all dog owners in and around Kahnawake.”
