If you’re a pet lover, you’ll probably be excited to know that the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley will host its annual Paws on The Promenade event Saturday, April 27 (rain date is Sunday, April 28) from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. dog owners are invited to participate in a free 30-minute “Doggy & Me Yoga” class presented by L.L.Bean in the grass area next to Diva Nails. The class level is easy. Those planning to participate should bring their own yoga mat, dog treats and water, and (of course) their leashed dog.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. guests can visit the Paws-for-a-Cause Expo, where there will be representatives from local animal shelters, pet-related organizations and businesses. The expo will be located between White Orchids Thai Cuisine and Diva Nails. Participants include 3 Husketeers Rescue, Animal Therapy Center, Canine Companions, Chaar, Forgotten Felines & Fidos, Harnessed to Hope, Let’s Speak Dog LTD, MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue & Referral Service Inc., Paws 2 Freedom and Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center.
The Promenade Shops will have donation stations for the Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley at the Patio. There guests can donate unopened, unexpired bags and cans of cat or dog food. L.L.Bean will also accept food donations.
Also at the Patio, at 10 a.m. free travel dog bowls will be given away to the first 100 people to stop by. There is a limit of one bowl per person. Must be 18 years old or older. While supplies last. Guests are invited to enjoy a live performance by Ben Tyler on the Patio Stage from 10 to 10:45 a.m.
The musical performance will be followed by a Canine Costume Contest on the Patio Stage at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the following categories: Cutest Small Dog Costume, Cutest Big Dog Costume, Owner & Pet Look-a-Like and Grand Prize.
Presenters will take to the Patio Stage after the Canine Costume Contest.
From noon to 1 p.m. Caitlin Bird, owner and principal trainer of Caitlin’s Animal Training, will present on “Becoming Dr. Dolittle: Speaking the Language of Animals.”
Nagy is the owner and principal trainer for Caitlin’s Animal Training. Her methods rely exclusively on positive reinforcement and follow a “first, do no harm” rule in building a trusting relationship between pet and owner.
A trained biologist with a behavioral specialty, Bird has worked professionally in various multi-species training environments including zoos, aquariums, animal rescues and an exotic bird show.
From 1 to 2 p.m., Rebecca Gamez, owner of The Beauty of Dogs, will present on “Keys for Success When Bringing Home Your New Dog.”
Gamez is the owner of The Beauty of Dogs in Fountain Hill. She has worked with animals professionally for more than 22 years. Gamez opened The Beauty of Dogs in 2016 and focuses on helping families find harmony with their dog, with an emphasis on the emotional state of the animal during training. Her goal is to build the human-canine bond through teamwork.
In-store events and activities include:
- uBreakiFix will hand out dog treats to those who visit their store, while supplies last.
- From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Capital Blue will offer free doggie treats made by Healthy You Café, in store, while supplies last.
For additional event updates, as wells as other upcoming events and promotions, please visit the Promenade Shops website.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley is a lifestyle center located at 2845 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley, Pa. (FILE PHOTO)