Growth Ideas 101: Dog Days (July 9, 2025)

As we get into the dog days of summer, are there some ideas to stretch your hospitality to reach neighbours with canines in mind? Consider adding a water bowl station for passers-by (ensuring it can be kept clean and fresh water provided). Perhaps host a water refill station or cold drinks inside your building for times when your building is open and invite people in. Consider an information sharing event about animal care and safety, such as guest speakers who can talk about proper protocols with a service animal, presentations from a vet, vet tech, groomer, doggie daycare operator, dog walking service, humane society, breeder or dog walk park creator. Encourage people to take photos of their pets and tell their stories. Plan a blessing of pets service, perhaps around October 4th, connected with St. Francis day, when these often happen. Explore asking people to bring a collar, leash, favourite toy, or other special things, and photo of a past or present pet if there are concerns for dog behaviours and additional stress. There might be other ways unique to your community of faith that engages and invites new people in the wider community to join in. Maybe host in a third space, or public space like a local community centre and strengthen community partnerships. Create your own “animals awareness event. Perhaps make local arrangements to host a mini zoo or reptiles event, an excursion to a farm through your church to meet farm animals, a trip to a zoo, the showing of a movie about animals, a documentary that lifts up concerns for endangered species. Find animal enthusiasts in your community of faith and community partners to work with.