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True North K9 Pet’s and More Christmas Expo

Oct 4, 2019 | 3:59 AM

Puppies make the world go ‘round – that’s how that saying goes, isn’t it? Well, either way, that will certainly be true on November 16th with the second annual True North K9 Pets and More Christmas Expo happening at the Beveridge Landmarks Event Centre! Come by between 9 am and 6 pm to partake in the fun for a great cause!

The crew at True North K9 Compound have always been advocators for our four-legged furry friends. After experiencing the unconditional support their own dog showed towards a loved one during their long medical journey, the crew set out to make a difference in other people’s lives along with their dog(s). They decided to open True North K9 compound, located in the Brier Park area, so people and their dogs could have a safe, secure and stress-free environment to spend time together. Why “True North?” Well, it’s a place of wellness to be “Strong & Free!”

As dog lovers, the crew at True North K9 Compound recognize the amazing work that rescues and shelters do in assisting animals to have a second chance at a fur-ever home, and they wanted to help. They mandated that 10% of the membership sales at the compound would go to selected animal rescues and shelters and that two free visits would be granted for every dog adopted at the SPCA and APARC. The offer also extends to other rescues so long as they can verify an adoption. This way, the new owner and dog have a safe and secure environment with no distractions to start to build that special bond.

They had a good base for giving back but knew there was still more that could be done. That was where the idea of True North K9 Pets and More Christmas Expo came to light. Christmas is a time of love, happiness and giving, so what better way to celebrate than to create a special event for the animals that need our help!

The True North K9 Pets and More Christmas Expo is an extravaganza you don’t want to miss! This year, the Expo will have six animal rescues and shelters in attendance to help educate adults and children about the amazing work our rescues do and the importance of helping out. There will be therapy and service dogs on hand so the public can understand the importance of these animals and the impact they have on people’s lives for various reasons.

November 16th will be a buzzing day full of excitement from 9am-6pm for adults and kids alike! For the kids, Santa will be on-site for photos taken by Crooked Owl Photography from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm on the lower level of the Beveridge. There is a FREE Matinee at the Monarch Theatre featuring the 2018 “The Grinch” with doors opening at 11:15am and the movie starting at 12:00pm. While Santa is busy getting his photo taken with all the little ones, Mrs. Claus will be on hand at the Letter Writing Station where children can write their letters to Santa. Don’t forget to have the kids choose their baggy of Reindeer food to take home to sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve for Rudolph and his friends!

At 10 am, the “Reindeer Races” take place for children ages 2-7 under 80lbs. Space will be limited for each age group so keep your eyes on our Facebook page for registration information. The Reindeer Races will be followed by the duelling races against Santa’s Reindeer and the Easter Bunny! The Moose Family Centre will also be joining us, offering “fingerprinting” of our precious little ones throughout the day. This is for the Child ID Program that includes printed computer discs with all the amber alert info, including digital photos and prints.

Like we said, there is plenty for adults too! There will be a silent auction with items donated by local community businesses and three separate 50/50 draws for a chance to win a little extra Christmas cash! Purchase a special Christmas cocktail featuring Grit City spirits and brews from Hell’s Basement, served by Earls along with yummy food items too. Enjoy your special beverage as you stroll through the 3 floors of the Beveridge, perusing the more than 35 vendors on site! With that many vendors in attendance, there is an array of great items, maybe even the perfect Christmas gift!

This year, there will be a “Pet Sitting” area for those who have brought their pets for a picture with Santa. Pets are only allowed through the front doors of the Beveridge building and since they aren’t allowed on the second and third floor of the building where the vendors are, let your fur babies hang out with our two qualified pet trainers; Tara Martice from Dog Training with Tara Martice and Angel Dumoulin from Funny Farm K9 Coaching.

With local musical talents performing throughout the day, wonderful vendors and a chance to learn more about our rescues, shelters, therapy and service dogs, November 16th is the perfect opportunity to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit at the True North K9 Pets and More Christmas Expo.

Funds raised at the event will go to select rescues/shelters.