Dog lovers and their furry friends are set to have a howling good time at Noosaville next month.
A Dog’s Life: Pet Expo will be held along the scenic Noosa River on Saturday, March 23, with a portion of ticket sales to support Hear No Evil: Australian Deaf Dog Rescue.
Dog owners will be able to discover new ways to keep their pooch happy and healthy, with nutrition tips, grooming advice, pet first aid, obedience training and educational talks.
There will be demonstrations, panel discussions and a showcase arena featuring agility, trick and assistance dogs.
With more than 50 vendors from Gympie to the Gold Coast, attendees will be able to pamper their pet with unique treats, participate in activities like the Great Noosa River Walk, ‘paw-dicures’, ‘paw-casso’ and enjoy a variety of competitions with fantastic prizes.
There will also be a puppy play zone, splash zone and ball pit, and the chance to ‘smooch a pooch’ at the Puppy Love stand. Visitors will also be able to witness the ‘furry fashions on the field’, and explore various dog breed meet-ups.
Kids will also be entertained with AUSLAN workshops, face painting and doggy crafts.
This year, a portion of ticket sales will be donated to Hear No Evil: Australian Deaf Dog Rescue: a charity dedicated to caring for and rehoming deaf and special needs dogs.
With more than $20,000 raised for charity partners in the past, the aim is to make this year’s even more impactful. There will be a raffle as well as fun fundraising activities.
Hear No Evil president Vicki Law said the volunteer-run organisation had substantial impact.
“We are dedicated to offering deaf and special needs dogs the opportunity for a fulfilling life, raising awareness about their potential, promoting alternatives to euthanasia, and challenging common misconceptions,” she said via an event media release.
“We firmly believe that these dogs are much more than just their disability.
“Our ultimate aim is to ensure that a “forever home” is indeed forever, filled with love and understanding.”
The event is inclusive for the deaf or hard-of-hearing community, with AUSLAN interpreters, an AUSLAN hub and trained volunteers available for support.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart will be present for the official opening, with an AUSLAN welcome.
A Dog’s Life event director Lea Bye is the parent of a son with profound hearing loss, and is passionate about community accessibility for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“We’re proud to present a community event that is inclusive, where everyone can come and enjoy the speakers, demonstrations and fun activities, regardless of their abilities,” she said.
“When my son was younger, we often faced barriers to attending events such as these, which is why we’re excited to be partnering with AUSLAN Journey to create an accessible event for all.”
The event will be brought to Noosaville by Cartel Music and Events. A Dog’s Life will be presented by SumUp and supported by Wunderdogs Doggie Daycare, Pet Resorts Australia Eumundi-Noosa, AUSLAN Journey and Doggy Anchor.
