SPECIAL EVENT: 3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Walk & V.I.D. Pawty

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Join us for our 3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Event, in collaboration with Canine Strong, where your Very Important Dog (V.I.D.) and YOU are special guests!

This year, we will begin our Valentine’s Day celebration at the Sewall’s Falls Recreation Area in Concord, NH. Dress in red and join us for a 1.5-2 mile walk (depending on conditions) along the Merrimack River. The area is important to wintering waterfowl and Bald eagles. Great blue heron, Osprey, and Belted kingfishers hunt here. Bring your binoculars. You will get a clear view of the waterfowl (if on the river) along this trail. The walk is limited to 20 participants.

After, join us for a V.I.D. social and pawty at Canine Strong in Concord, NH. This will be a catered lunch for dogs and their people as well as a doggy social with access to canine fitness equipment for some stretching after the walk. Dogs are welcome to roam loose in this space socializing and interacting with the environment. Please ensure your dog will be comfortable in this environment before registering.

To top off the event, your dog will be encouraged to relax after the walk and playtime session for a therapeutic massage given by your loving hands as April Begosh, co-owner of Canine Strong, leads participants on a guided dog massage therapy technique. We will have massage locations on the floor and on raised tables available. The V.I.D. Pawty is limited to 12 participants.

“Studies have shown that petting a dog can lower heart rate and blood pressure. Touching your pet will also cause your body to release oxytocin, a hormone that causes sensations of bonding and love,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a New York City-based veterinarian and founder of Animal Acupuncture

Two special V.I.D. door prizes will be given away at the Pawty.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
This trail is flat and mostly wide with areas to pull off if another dog approaches. However, this is a popular area, and depending on the weather, there may be several people walking with dogs. Also, if your dog is not comfortable around other dogs and in a smaller, inside area, then the V.I.D. pawty would not be a good environment for them. Please consider this when deciding whether or not to bring your dog. You are welcome to attend without your dog as well. If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

TRAIL RATING:
This Trail is rated as Level 1 Stroll (mostly due to ice). For this adventure, you may need YakTrax or ice cleats. We will give an update as the date gets closer. If location too icy, we will choose another trail in Concord. Trails are mostly wide; narrow in some spots; flat with one small uphill climb. Elevation gain of 13 feet. See an explanation of our Trail Rating System.

COST: 

• Members – $10 (walk only) or $60/person (walk & V.I.D. Pawty) Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.
• Non-members – $20/person (walk only) or $70/person (walk & V.I.D. Pawty)
• Pawty includes food, beverage, and massage instruction at Canine Strong
• For maximum happiness, we recommend only 1 dog per participant at the V.I.D. Pawty.

If you or your dog have any dietary restrictions, please email woof@goldendognh.com so we can accommodate your needs. Full refund issued if cancellation received 48 hours prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
Sewall’s Falls Recreation Area is located on Sewall’s Falls Rd. in Concord, NH. This location should be found easily using Google maps.

Canine Strong is located at 248 Sheep Davis Rd, Unit 7, Concord, NH.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and registered participants will receive an email cancellation notice. It will also be announced in the Event section of the Facebook Group and on this Calendar page.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.