Over 800 walkers joined The Crossings Animal Sanctuary, Inc. at Shady Brook Farm on May 15th, and helped us raise $65,000 for the sanctuary building fund!

The day was a sunny 72 degrees, perfect weather for a dog walk and enjoying the activities on Shady Brook’s festival field. Over 70 vendors and 10 animal rescue organizations joined us for the event, the latter bringing their rescue and adoptable dogs. Crossing Paths Animal Rescue brought 12 dogs for adoption from Alabama – nine have already been adopted, and the other three will likely be adopted by their foster families!

Special events occurred throughout the day. Kruising Kanines featured dogs showing their skills on an agility course. The Lower Makefield K-9 Unit provided a demonstration of their dogs in action. A special tent provided activities for the kids; post-walk massages were available for both dogs and their 2-legged companions.

Food was abundant at the festival – coffee, bagels, and breakfast food, followed by Mexican fare, meatball sandwiches, barbeque, and hot dogs & hamburgers. And scrumptious ice cream and funnel cakes!

Music filled the festival field all day long. At 12:30 p.m., a concert by the Cabin Jazz All-Stars introduced the Blessing of the Animals. The Blessing was given by four clergy people: Rev. David Cramp of Newtown United Methodist Church; Rev. Ernest Curtin of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; Rabbi Shalom Plotkin of Congregation Brothers of Israel; and Rabbi Jeff Pivo of Congregation Beth El. All four soothed and inspired us with their prayers and kind words for the pets we love so much.

By late afternoon, walkers were relaxing on the grass with their dogs, listening to music, sharing dessert, and waiting to hear their name called as a raffle winner. But raffle prize or no, everyone was a winner at the Tail Waggers Strut—especially the homeless pets of Bucks County.