The extremely popular New Canaan Dog Days will be held 12 to 3 p.m. Sunday on Cherry Street downtown, presented by locally owned business mainstays Village Critter Outfitter and Aetheria Relaxation Spa.
2013 New Canaan Dog Days. Credit: Contributed
Benefitting pet-focused nonprofits PAWS and STARelief, Dog Days is a grassroots effort that is supported largely by Village Critter Owner Shirleen Dubuque (also owner of some lovely rescue dogs and other pets).
We had a chance to catch up with Dubuque and put some questions to her about her own business and its niche, how New Canaan Dog Days has evolved since its 2009 launch and what our four-legged pals can expect of the event.
Shirleen Dubque, owner of Village Critter Outfitter, swaddled up a lost dog in the parking lot outside her shop over the weekend, and saw it back to its owner.
Here’s our exchange.
New Canaanite: One of the things that’s special about New Canaan Dog Days is that it was created and continues to be driven by local, independent businesses such as yours, where the owner is on site and that special small-town, village center feel is alive. What does it mean to you that this is a grassroots undertaking, and how much does that contribute, do you feel, to the popularity of New Canaan Dog Days?
Shirleen Dubuque: Whenever anyone can do any kind of philanthropic work it feels great knowing an event such as this can make a big difference in the charities that are represented. These charities are local, as well, so being able to support them, not only through fundraising but by helping the charity get exposure to other pet owners that might not have known of their existence otherwise.
2013 New Canaan Dog Days. Credit: Contributed
New Canaanites care deeply for their pets and they care deeply, in another way, for the character of our downtown. Among other things, New Canaan Dog Days is a chance to support both. Talk about Village Critter and Aetheria—what motivates you as the business owners to spend the time, energy and resources to get behind this event and see it through?
There are so many nonprofits that need assistance. We felt that because of the strong, local canine presence, why not do a fun pet-related event and raise money for local pet-related nonprofits. Also, organizing an event that highlights our part of town seemed like a logical thing to do.
2013 New Canaan Dog Days. Credit: Contributed
What are some things about your businesses—products and services, for example—that distinguish it from more generic shops?
Our shop has a small, quaint, unique feel to it. It is warm to walk into, with friendly faces willing to go the extra mile for anyone. The selected products we sell are high quality and we do not try to be everything to everyone. We’ve been here for many years and have established family relationships. We support and give back to the community that supports us.
How has New Canaan Dog Days evolved since its inception?
2013 New Canaan Dog Days. Credit: Contributed
We have grown by leaps and bounds. It started out as an idea. Now people are asking about the event throughout the year, eagerly waiting for the next one.
There are all kinds of different dogs out there—big, small, young, old, territorial, non-territorial. What are some things going on at New Canaan Dog Days that will appeal to absolutely every type of dog, and what are some of the things that are designed to make a great day for specific types?
As long as the dogs have been well socialized, they are welcome to join in any of the activities through out the day. We do not discriminate. And, there is something for everyone.
This is fantastic. I love pet shops that embrace rescue groups and both PAWS and STAR Rescue are good reputable organizations that stretch donated dollars very far!