Member’s Favorite Events of 2021

2021 was jam-packed full of fun and unique events for dogs and their people. We hosted approximately 75 in-person events and 35 online events; triple the number of events offered in 2020.

It was a very busy year for our team, which is growing in 2022. Stay tuned for a big announcement in January.

In 2021, we rolled out Official Club Events, Pop Up Walks, Pack Adventures, Doggy Socials, Special Events, Nature Walks, Hikes & Hops, Mutts & Mead, Wine & Wags, Doggy Olympics, and so much more.

In a recent survey, our members were asked which events were their favorites from the past year. Following are some of the events that were chosen.

Beaver Moon Viewing & Celebration – In celebration of Thanksgiving, over 25 dogs and their owners joined us for a stroll along Hampton Beach to witness a beautiful sunset and the full moon. Although we were a bit early to see the moon, we did catch a glimpse of a Snowy Owl watching us from the dunes.

Many people finally saw the moon on their drive to Loaded Question Brewing Co. in Portsmouth for craft brews and fresh hot pizza. We gathered on their heated back patio and enjoyed sharing stories about our dogs and what our plans were for the holiday.

Pet Appreciation Week Celebration: Trifecta Party – In collaboration with our partners Canine Strong, Barrington Barks & Behavior, and K9 Kaos in Dover, we hosted an unforgettable event. The event was the culmination of a week long awareness campaign in June about pet appreciation. We gave away gifts and prizes thanks to generous donations from our Partners, and fundraised for our Charitable Partners, raising $804.

Dogs and their people joined us for sensory exploration, canine fitness, and a pool party with ice cream.

It was a hot day, but fortunately we had some shade and the pool and ice cream was very refreshing for the dogs.

Sensory Scavenger Hunt at the Mall – Thirty dogs and their people enjoyed a 600,000 sq. ft. sensory overload at the Mall at Fox Run for this popular event. Having the Mall all to ourselves for searching and exploring was a huge draw. Along with our Corporate Partner, the Mall at Fox Run, we collaborated with Barrington Barks & Behavior for a super enlarged version of their Sensory Explorers activity.

For the scavenger hunt, participants were given a map of the Mall and encouraged to locate scented dots hidden at the perfect level for dogs noses to locate. Upon finding, the map would indicate what scent had been located so that dog owners could learn what smells their dogs engaged with the most.

There were also two obstacle course stations, participation prizes, and a sensory basket giveaway for the dog/human team who found the most scented dots.

Nature Walks with Kelly Dwyer – Our birding walks with Kelly Dwyer of Nature Education Opportunities always sell out and result in a waiting list since we only allow 15 dogs and their people at a time.

In 2021, we hosted a spring and winter bird walk on the trails near Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn, NH. We located several species of birds, including Eagles, Hawks, Bluebirds, Nuthatches, Mourning Doves, Chickadees, and much more. One of the event highlights, is when Kelly does her amazing Barred Owl call.

Doggy Olympics – Our first ever Doggy Olympics event, which coincided with the Summer Olympics, was a huge undertaking that would not have happened without the amazing contributions of our Partners as hosting sites, judges, and event instructors.

The Club offered almost a dozen events at locations from Concord to the seacoast and into southern NH. These events challenged dogs mentally and physically giving them an opportunity to try Dock Diving, Ice Cream Eating Contest, Water Fun Competition, Canine Fitness Challenge, Treat Toss Challenge, and several more.

Dogs and humans received trophies for gold, silver, and bronze as well as achievement awards for their accomplishments.

Apple Picking – Several times during the fall season, the Club hosts apple picking trips to DeMeritt Hill Farm in Lee, NH.

These events are always a Club favorite thanks to the variety of fruit available, the many nature trails, and the scenic views at the Farm.

This year, we hosted an apple picking trip as well as a Mindful Walk with Jody Crotty, Soul Level Animal Communicator, which drew a crowd of almost 40 people with their dogs.

Doggy Easter Egg Hunt – With the Lee Conservation Commission’s and Select Board’s approval, we hosted our 1st Annual Doggy Easter Egg Hunt for 42 dogs and their people at Little River Park in Lee.

Dogs searched for treat filled eggs (some with prize slips) on a 1-mile forest trail, and participated in a canine fitness warm-up exercise with Canine Strong. Thanks to participants, we raised over $400 for our Charitable Partner’s Program.

This event was made possible with the amazing support of donors and sponsors, including Club Partners Canine Strong, Barrington Barks & Behavior, Friendly Pets, Mary’s Dogs, and Pet Supplies Plus.

The event was also highlighted on an April 2021 episode of WMUR-TV’s NH Chronicle.

Hikes & Hops/Mutts & Mead/Wine & Wags Events – In 2021, we rolled out several new themed events that included a walk along with a social and tasting opportunity at a brewery, meadery, or winery. These events, which regularly attract 30-40 people, have been hosted throughout the area at great venues such as Flag Hill Winery, Loaded Question Brewery, RiverWalk Brewing Company, Over the Moon Farmstead, and other locations.

1st Annual Corn Maze & Halloween Pawty – Who wouldn’t love a huge, beautiful farm all to themselves with corn mazes, agility, canine fitness, trick-or-treating at vendor booths for dogs, and other surprises? That is what the Club hosted, along with our Partners, including Mary’s Dogs, Canine Strong, You and Your Dog Training & Services, Pet Wants Portsmouth, and Jody Crotty.

The event was held at Beech Hill Farm in Hopkinton, NH where not only dogs and their people attended, but a flock of sheep and their llama friend as well.

Recall Training and Walk w/Miss Behavior – It was a beautiful May day at Livingston Park in Manchester, NH for recall and distraction training with Laura Gendron of Miss Behavior Training.

We spent the first 30-45 minutes playing games, learning cues, and practicing techniques in the field. After, we enjoyed a relaxing stroll around Dorrs Pond where participants practiced what they had learned, with guidance from Laura.

Before heading home, a few of us grabbed an ice cream treat at the Puritan Backroom.

To access photos from the fun and unique events listed above, as well as all 2021 in-person events, visit our Facebook Community Group Photo Albums. If you are not yet a member of the group, you can join for free!