Two local organizations are inviting you to celebrate furry, scaly and feathered friends next week in recognition of World Animal Day and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Organized by Lisa Browning of One Thousand Trees and The Benjamin Project, a non-profit that advocates for responsible pet ownership and well-being, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Harcourt Memorial Church on Oct. 5.
The all-ages event is free to attend, and will feature a number of educational talks about everything from horses to coyotes, as well as storytimes, crafts and other activities.
Crafts will include making a bird feeder, creating your own animal, making dogs and cats for pantomime, painting figurines, making a bookmark, a paper plate donkey, an affirmation bracelet, and a why I love animals collage. Bringing your own cup and saucer is required for the bird feeders.
“Whether you're a pet owner or just an animal lover, this event is perfect for all ages. Don't miss out on this chance to show your appreciation for the amazing creatures we share our planet with,” said Browning.
The event schedule can be found below.
Presentations:
- Horses, the natural truth detector from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- The coyotes of Inverhuron at 12:30 p.m.
- Animals as teachers from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Guelph Humane Society’s youth apprenticeship program from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- It’s impossible to be sad around alpacas from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Story times:
- Benjamin by Malcolm Bernstein from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- The Girl Who Talked the Hind Legs Off a Donkey by Jeanette Clark from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
- Move Along Huxley & Roscoe by Nancy Cronin and Donna Kaye from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Mac the Dragon by Mary Almeida & Ashley Pamenter from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- Zola, the Zany, Zippy, Zealous Pig by Arlene Davies-Fuhr from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Willow & Douglas, the Unlikeliest of Friends by Penny Burton from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- Sammy the Sensitive seal by Lindsay Brant from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- The Fox's Tale by Barry Orme from 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The event is free, but registration can be completed on the Eventbrite page.
