Community Corner

Somerset Hills YMCA Hosts First 'Strong Dogs Day'

Event for dogs and their owners to benefit Strong Kids assistance program.

In an event designed to promote good health for both canines and humans, the Somerset Hills YMCA is scheduled to hold its first "Strong Dogs Day" Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

All two- and four-legged friends are welcome to drop by. The day is set to begin with a blessing of the hounds, followed by a dog walkathon around a local neighborhood with stations such as Treat Street, Water Works and Scooper Way set up to support the participants in a one-mile walk along sidewalks.

The event, which will be held at the YMCA main facility at 140 Mount Airy Road, will include games, contests and giveaways as well as lectures, obedience training, speakers and more.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Many local vendors, kennels and groomers are expected to attend. All proceeds will benefit Strong Kids, the Somerset Hills YMCA's financial assistance campaign to benefit children who might not be able to otherwise afford to join the YMCA.

Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies, with stores in Bedminster and Broadway, is Top Dog sponsor of Strong Dogs Day, according to the YMCA, and TD Bank has signed on as the Puppy Love sponsor. Other sponsors include Camp BowWow, which signed up as the Wagging Tail sponsor; Autosport Honda as the Cold Wet Nose sponsor, and PNC Bank, The Stable, Ltd., and Tarheel Total Pet Care as Belly Scratch sponsors, according to the YMCA.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The concept behind the event is to encourage the community to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle," said Peter Barry, director of competitive swimming and Strong Dogs coordinator at the YMCA. "Recently, there have been a number of reports that conclude that owning and walking a dog can lead to a healthier lifestyle."

Barry said that more than 1,800 Bernards Township residents alone have licensed dogs. "We are expecting a terrific turnout that will benefit pet owners and our Strong Kids financial assistance campaign," he said. "There will be plenty of promotions, dog ownership tips and giveaways for all attendees."

For more information about Strong Dogs Day and opportunities to sponsor or be a vendor at the event, and to download the walkathon form, visit the Somerset Hills YMCA website, or contact Barry at pbarry@somersethillsymca.org, or 908-360-3531. The main number at the Somerset Hills YMCA is 908-766-7898.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here