Heart of Niagara summer picnic for owners and dogs Saturday, July 18

Heart of Niagara Animal Rescue's second annual summer picnic, a family-friendly event open to the public for owners and their dogs, is happening rain or shine from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Oppenheim Park (Pavilion No. 15), 2713 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls. The event will be a day of fun, friendship and camaraderie for dog owners and their furry companions on leash.

The day's activities include lawn games with prizes where owners can participate with their dogs; nail clipping and a photo booth for donations to the rescue; a dance contest; live music with Joni Russ and Vincent Bonelli; a basket/certificate auction; and dog-friendly vendors. Free dog bandannas and Milk Bone product samples will be given out while they last. A picnic lunch is available for $12 pre-sale, or $15 "walk up" on picnic day, and includes a hot dog and hamburger on roll, chips, potato salad, watermelon, dessert and a bottle of water. Pre-sale ticket purchases, available on the rescue's website on a secure PayPal link at www.heartofniagara.org, are encouraged to help plan food quantities.

Western New York businesses continue to rally behind the event. Donations from the following companies and individuals make the picnic possible for all to enjoy: ASM Waypoint, Big Cookie Cakes Bakery, Brett's Tent & Awning, Como Restaurant at The Airport, Dana's Stylin' Pets, Debbie's Dog House and Pet Palace, Dee's Dog House, JP2 Propane, Joni Russ, DiMino Lewiston Tops, Mark Cerrone Inc., Mary Kay with Amber, Milk Bone Buffalo, Miss Lily's Biscuits, Murdock & Roo Pet Salon, Hoopla House Creative, Kasi with Premier Designs, Party Lite with Liz, QLS Solutions Group, Rare Rustic Crafts, Sam's Club Niagara Falls, Schwebel's Bakery, Smokin' Joe's, Bonelli, The Village Vet of Lewiston and Zweigle's Hot Dogs.

Heart of Niagara is a not-for-profit companion animal rescue organization based in Niagara County. Its mission is to protect the health and welfare of abandoned, unwanted and homeless animals. To date, volunteers have adopted out more than 330 animals.

HON operates solely on donations and the generosity of the public and business community. For more information, contact Linda van Harssel at 716-622-1213 or call HON's main number at 716-345-7129.