Thousand Islands Bark Bash celebrates dogs, rescues

GANANOQUE – What began as a way to raise awareness for local dog rescues has grown into one of Gananoque's most popular summer community events.

The annual Thousand Islands Bark Bash filled Town Hall Park on Saturday, drawing hundreds of people and their four-legged companions for a day dedicated to dogs, rescue organizations and the people who care for them.

The free event featured 12 rescue organizations and affiliates, along with vendors offering everything from pet food and grooming services to health information. Visitors also enjoyed live music, games for pets and children, a dog kissing booth and cooling stations to help keep dogs comfortable in the summer heat.

Funds raised through vendor fees, donations and raffles will be shared among the participating rescue organizations to support their work caring for and rehoming dogs.

Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Coun. Brian Mabee, who also serves as Gananoque's Town Crier, attended the event dressed in his signature blue Town Crier attire alongside Oliver, his two-year-old St. Bernard-Bernese Mountain Dog.

"An event like this means everything, allowing him to socialize and continue his training," Mabee said. "At Christmas time for the parade, I hope to have Oliver with me, dressed as me," he added with a laugh.

Mabee said dogs play an important role in many people's lives.

"Dogs are an important part of society. They bring a lot of joy, like Oliver has brought so much joy to me. He's my friend. He's enriched my life," he said. "Those that do have a dog, they know what I'm talking about, and for those who don't, you can still feel the unconditional love. Is there work in a dog? Yes. Is it worth it? Oyez!" he proclaimed in his signature Town Crier voice.

Mabee said the event offers something for every dog owner.

"They're here for everything to do about a dog, like grooming, health-related questions and food. We have a great time here, Oliver and I."

For rescue organizations, the event also provides an opportunity to connect dogs with potential adopters.

Among those in attendance was Zeus, a black Lab mix searching for his forever home. Zeus attended the event with foster parents Sydney and Christian, who said community events like Bark Bash help rescue dogs gain valuable exposure.

"These events help these dogs who are looking for their forever home to get more exposure," Sydney said. "It's no guarantee, but it still is an event for the dogs to get out and socialize and stretch their legs."

Sydney, who recently completed nursing school, said fostering was her way of giving back to the community during the summer before beginning a career that includes 12-hour shifts.

"I just finished nursing school, so it's tough to have a dog with my 12-hour shifts, but I figured I'd take my summer and give back to my community by looking after dogs."

She has been fostering Zeus for just over a month.

Zeus will also be among the dogs attending Kingston's upcoming Princess Street Promenade alongside the Kingston Humane Society, where organizers hope another opportunity to meet the public could lead to a permanent home.

Sydney also shares updates on her foster dogs through her social media page, fostermamasyd.

Organizers and Mayor John Beddows thanked the vendors, volunteers, rescue groups and community members who attended, saying the continued support helps raise awareness for rescue organizations and promotes responsible pet ownership throughout the Thousand Islands region.

Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.