Sunday, October 23, 2011 – Dog walk, BBQ and Memorial Service for pets loved and lost

Enjoy an energetic and fun-filled day in the country with your dog, organized by OTD.  Your day will begin at approximately 9 a.m. with a scenic drive through the autumn foliage of the Gatineau Hills. Stop in the scenic village of Wakefield to enjoy some fresh baked goods, or check out The Black Sheep, a music hub for Canadian musicians. Travel fifteen minutes further up Highway 105, along the scenic Gatineau River. There, you will arrive in the little Quebec village of Low. Turn left from the highway into the local park, marked by a boat house.  

You will find the Canada Trail here, a walking adventure with new scents and sounds for you and your dog. Plan to arrive around 10:30 a.m. You and your dog can walk with other OTD members. You will enjoy an onleash walk that will take you through woodland, through meadows and along farmers' fields. Remember to bring some water for you and your dog.
 
At 12:00, we'll return to our cars, cross the highway and make a short drive to the Low United Church. In the backyard of the church, OTD members and the local church community will provide a BBQ with hot dogs for you, refreshments and sweets. Doggy treat bags will be available for your real hot dog.  At 2:00 p.m., everyone (including your dog) is invited into the little country church for a memorial service to honor pets we have loved and lost. This service also is popular with the local community which is invited. For the past several years, an offering has been taken with monies going to Ottawa Therapy Dogs.

Rev. Read Sherman, who loves animals and has two pugs of his own, will conduct the service. This year, Carole Eldridge, Chair, OTD will be the speaker.
 
At 3:00 p.m., the service moves outside to include a Blessing of the Animals. In the past, dogs, cats, birds, roosters and rabbits have all been blessed; even a litter of puppies. It should be a day to remember. This event will proceed, rain or shine. Come for part of the day, or all of it.

All well-behaved dogs are invited. This is an on-leash event.

Please send your RSVP – with the number of invitees – to: 

Julianne Labreche  (613) 226-3809
jlabrech@magma.ca
or 
Bob Simpson  (613) 225-8649
lesandbob@bell.net