Dog Retreat At The Elms

The 5th annual Dog Retreat at The Elms will be held August 10-11-12 at The Elms Hotel and Spa. The fun family event has been featured in Cesar's magazine and was called "the canine social event of the year" by DogsLifeKC.com The Elms and Excelsior Springs Friends of Animals welcome pets and their owners and pet lovers to enjoy a weekend filled with activities while supporting animal rescue. Friday evening, August 10, Dog Retreat kicks off with a movie on the hotel lawn. On Saturday, August 11, the day begins at 8:00 am with a 5K Run/1 Mile Walk. Following the race, Dog Retreat Pet Expo runs 10am-4pm with free admission. On Sunday, August 12th, The Elms will host a pancake breakfast to benefit ESFOA and the raffle winners will be announced. The Pet Expo which runs from 10:00 to 4:00 Saturday, August 11, will be filled with activities for people and their pets. Participants will enjoy demonstrations, an agilty course, dog contests, free pet parent seminars, a dog show, pet photos, a dog spa, face painting, a doggy speed trap, children’s activities, vendors, and free samples. Microchipping by a veterinary professional will be just $15 a pet. A free pet first aid course is also planned. There will be wading pools outside for the dogs to enjoy and games for the kids. Dog contests will be $5 each or $10 for three entries and prizes have been provided by Kong. There will be a $1 raffle with prizes such as gift certificates for a night at The Elms Hotel, Chiefs tickets, a stay at Orchard Hill Bed and Breakfast, a Pech Limousine gift certificate, an I-Pod and 20 other prizes. Winners need not be present ESFOA will also have a silent auction during the pet expo. Although there will be no on-site adoptions, several organizations will be on hand for meet and greets with adoptable dogs, cats and ferrets. No need to worry about the weather because activities will take place inside and outside the pet friendly hotel! Major sponsors of Dog Retreat include The Elms, Purina Pro Plan Rally To Rescue, Go Pet Go, Animals in Need Thrift Store, Hovey-Williams LLC, Heroes magazine, The Paw Spaw, DogsLife, Target, Orchard Hill Bed & Breakfast, Pech Limousine and The Dogs’ Spot. All sponsors and vendors are listed on the event website. Well-behaved, leashed and vaccinated dogs are welcome. Please have your dog's rabies tags on collar. For a full schedule of activities or to enter the 5K Run/Walk go to www.DogRetreatKC.com.