Good pawticipation for Heritage Trail fundraiser

Fifty-six tail-wagging dogs of all breeds and sizes were registered to walk in a fundraiser for the Upper Canada Heritage Trail Saturday.

Rick Meloen, chair of the Upper Canada Heritage Trail, said he expects to raise more than $10,000 from the Paws on the Trail event. Saturday’s walk officially started at the tennis courts on Veterans Lane, but participants embarked on the walk by travelling through the commons to the start of the heritage trail at John Street near King Street.  A two-kilometre walk brought them to Charlotte Street, where they could choose to return to the park or to continue on the trail until East and West Line, walking a four-kilometre loop.

The first half of the trail rehabilitation project is nearly complete. Six kilometres remain to be cleared of unwanted vegetation and laid with new granular stone. Phase three, from Line 3 to Line 9, is expected to cost more than $200,000 to complete.

Betty Knight, with her four-year-old Bernedoodle Luna, lives in Queenston and “wants the trail all the way out there.” Her family walks and rides the trail frequently, she said.

Dr. Linda Cudmore brought her rescue dog from Kentucky to the event. The seven-year-old three-legged dog named Belle lost her leg after getting it caught in a fence, but “is a good walker and easily does stairs,” said Cudmore.

Vendors were selling homemade rawhide treats, dog clothes, organic dog treats, dog shampoo bars and bandanas.

Bonnie Bagnulo, executive director for Niagara-on-theLake Community Palliative Care, was at the event to displayed pamphlets and information on services they provide. She talked to The Local about Art Beat, a pet loss program for adults and children alike. “We are aware that pet loss affects the whole family,” said Bagnulo. Art Beat gives children "coping skills when it comes to pet loss.” The program uses art as a medium to “reframe the narrative of loss,” she explained. Sessions are free and held over a two-week period.

For more information on the Upper Canada heritage Trail, or to donate, visit heritage trail.ca.