We’re all about that brunch life, especially when it involves fur babies and fundraising! Phoenix Children Hospital Foundation’s 11th Annual Dine With Your Dog returns to Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix on Saturday, February 9 from 10:30a – 1p. Human guests will indulge in a champagne brunch spread while pup chow down on a dog-friendly gourmet meal. Both are encouraged to don “high tea attire” – think sun hats and bow ties for you and your pup – to really amp up the brunch time fun. Capture Fido’s good side by taking a stroll in front of the “pup-arazzi” for the full star treatment. Explore the pet play areas, chat up fellow dog owners and bid on some fun auction items for you and your furry friend. Local celebs, event chairs and dog-loving advocates behind #LovePup, Johnjay and Blake Van Es, will also be in attendance.
All proceeds benefit PetSmart Charities’ Paws Can Heal Animal-Assisted Therapy program, which helps motivate, soothe and lift the spirits of patients. PCH provides the program to patients and their families for therapeutic purposes. Scientific research has shown that a patient’s interaction with an animal can provide positive physical and emotional benefits. It can reduce stress levels and invoke a sense of well-being. Animal-assisted therapy acts as a catalyst to motivate patients to help themselves. A child will happily take a dog for a walk, or throw the animal a ball, forgetting the pain for a little while and moving closer to going home. Among the specific benefits of animal-assisted therapy are the ways it motivates children to:
- Get up, move, walk, leave their room and play.
- Participate in therapy (physical, occupational and speech.)
- Forget their discomfort or pain.
- Interact more with others.
- Improve their mood.
- Improve their interactions with family and staff.
- Do things that may be a struggle, such as eating, taking medication or waiting.
Dine With Your Dog reservations can be made at DineWithYourDog.org and the cost to attend is $125 for one canine and their well-behaved human. If you can’t attend but would still like to help click here.
