Pets On Wheels Dog-A-Thon Preview
Pets On Wheels Dog-A-Thon
Maryland State Fairgrounds
2200 York Road
Lutherville-Timonium, Md. 21093
(410) 913-5569
www.petsonwheels.org/
Hours: Sat, July 7 –
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun, July 8 –
11a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: $10 adults/$5 children 5 to 12/free children 5 and younger
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is going to the dogs July 7 and 8, but it's for a good cause. When Sam the dog was only 7 years old he began logging hours visiting residents of a nearby nursing home. His visits lit up the faces of the elderly, who in some cases seemed indifferent to other visitors, but responded well as he licked the loneliness away on regular visits. He was part of Pets on Wheels, an organization that matches pets and their owners with visits to people in institutional settings for therapeutic sessions. While Pets on Wheels visits often include cats, rabbits and even turtles, the organization's annual fundraiser is all about dogs. The Pets on Wheels Dog-A-Thon two-day at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium raises funds to keep the program up, running and snuggling its way into lonely hearts area wide.
Print this flyer and bring the coupon to receive $2 off at the door.
Parking
Parking for the Dog-A-Thon is available on the fairgrounds property, accessible from York Road. Free parking is also available at the Timonium Park and Ride lot on Deerco Road. From the parking lot, pedestrians must cross over the Light Rail tracks and then head toward the Cow Palace.
Fundraising Walk
It doesn't get much easier than this. Go to firstgiving.com and register for the Pets on Wheels Dog-A-Thon. Then, encourage your friends, family and fellow pet lovers to sponsor you. On the Pets on Wheels weekend, grab your dog, a leash and log a few laps around the track in Timonium. It's less than a mile, but your sponsorships help this nonprofit go the distance.
Visit the Vendors
After you walk, step into the climate-controlled Exhibition Hall filled with vendors selling merchandise, giving demonstrations and hosting contests. From Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue to Wagging Tail Portraits, you'll discover everything a pet lover could want and more.
Celebrity Guest Appearance by Luis and Tuesday
Luis Carlos Montalvan, a wounded Iraqi war veteran and Tuesday, his lovable golden retriever and service dog, will visit both days to speak to Pets on Wheels' mission. Their story, "Until Tuesday," is a New York Times Best Seller. Luis and Tuesday will tell their story at 2 p.m. and host a book sale and signing.
Picture with your Pooch
Every dog lover appreciates lasting memories of their furry friend. A special occasion such as the Dog-A-Thon is a red carpet moment. Dress yourself and your pup to walk the red carpet where you will be stalked by puparazzi anxiously snapping your picture. Purchase of red carpet photos benefits Pets on Wheels.
Beer Garden
With so much to do at the Dog-A-Thon, you and your canine companion will want to stay all day. When your dogs get tired, stop by the Pets on Wheels Beer Garden for a cold one in good company. Expect dog-friendly facilities as you and your pup drink for a good cause. Dogs will not be carded.
Related: Best Vets In Maryland
Dining
Hightopps Backstage Grille
2306 York Rd.
Timonium, Md. 21093
(410) 560-7101
www.hightoppsbackstagegrille.com/
With daily entertainment and drink specials, Hightopps Backstage Grille promises the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a little rock n' roll. Its outdoor deck makes it even more appealing during the warmer months, and the food goes beyond basic bar fare with a to-die-for jalapeño sausage, veggie and cheese plate.
The Still Timonium-An Poitin Stil
2323 York Rd.
Timonium, Md. 21093
(410) 560-7900
www.thestilltimonium.com
Located just across the road from the fairgrounds, The Still offers the feel and taste of an authentic Irish pub and restaurant. Its menu features both traditional Irish meals and choices with an American twist. Naturally, the beer selection features all of the Emerald Isle favorites. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to hoist a pint on a nice summer day.
A Baltimore native, Meredith Bower served as Director of Communications at an area private school for 11 years. Her professional knowledge and personal experience, as a parent of four children who attend/attended private schools, offers a unique perspective on the schools and the students who attend them. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.