Thirty years ago Live Aid helped to turn the world’s attention to the crisis in Ethiopia, and on September 5th an event with a name inspired by the historic occasion will strive to open the public’s eyes to an animal welfare crisis.
Raising people’s spirits as it raises awareness of the plight of puppy mill dogs, the sixth annual Pup Aid will take place on September 5, 2015. Pet parents and their pooches will once again converge at London’s Primrose Hill for a day of play which will include fun, Fido-themed activities:
- Canines will wow both the crowd and celebrity judges as they compete to be the top dog in such categories as My Dog’s Got Talent, the dog who looks the most like his or her pet parent, the Rover who most resembles a celebrity, most stylish pooch in London, waggliest tail, most handsome/prettiest dog, best rescue, best pedigree dog, child’s best friend, golden oldie and best in show.
- Festival fans and their four-legged friends will enjoy toe-tapping (and tail-wagging!) acoustic music.
- Foodies can chow down on a variety of vegan fare.
- Attendees can applaud skills shown by dogs from The Southern Golden Retriever Display Team and Hearing Dogs during demonstrations of their abilities.
- Dogs are invited to show off their dexterity in the agility ring.
- A moving sight for spectators, former puppy mill dogs will promenade in a parade to raise awareness of canines who are still in cages.
- Shop for Spot among a bevy of doggy boutique stalls.
- From vets and behaviorists to groomers, some of the UK’s most prominent professionals will be on hand. Pet parents can get their canine companion microchipped, which will be required by law in England in 2016.
Since its start, a number of famous friends of Fidos have used their star wattage to shine a spotlight on Pup Aid by attending the event, among them iconic comic actor Ricky Gervais, Queen guitarist Brian May, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, international supermodel David Gandy, supermodel Elle MacPherson and Downton Abbey star Peter Egan.
Who knows which animal-loving luminaries will be spotted at this year’s event? Holby City stars Rosie Marcel and Guy Henry, who film fans will recognize for his roles in V for Vendetta and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part I and II, are already on the list.
Created by TV veterinarian Marc Abraham in 2009, the Pup Aid campaign educates the public about the cruel conditions that dogs in puppy mills are force to endure, the link between puppy mills and many pet stores, and the correct way to find a canine companion.
Pup Aid
When: September 5, 2015
Where: Primrose Hill in London
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