A howling good time to be had at Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary's festival

   One-Tank Trip for Aug. 19/17

   (c) Postmedia Network/Sun Media newspapers/websites 

   (c) By Jim Fox

   People from around the world consider Canada a safe haven.

   Dogs and horses, too, are finding it to be a sanctuary for many that have suffered abuse or neglect.

   It’s truly been a “dog’s life” for the 100 or so dogs now fortunate enough to be at Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary in King City awaiting their “forever homes.”

   This world-renowned dog rescue and horse sanctuary has matched hundreds and hundreds of canines with devoted families in its three years in business.

Maggie, a Neapolitan mastiff, relaxes on a divan in her lavish kennel at Dog Tales. (Jim Fox photo)

   For day-trippers, it’s a perfect Sunday drive in the scenic countryside to visit the critters and enjoy the lush sanctuary grounds in the rolling green hills of “horse country,” north of Toronto.

   It’s only open to visitors on Sundays but holds a special annual event – the Dog Tales Festival on Aug. 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

   “In true Dog Tales’ fashion, the festival will be heavily decorated and filled with surprises, treating guests to a festival experience like no other, so be sure to bring your camera,” organizers say.

   Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs as “friends and families of all ages celebrate rescue animals with a fun weekend.”

Dog Tales and Horse Haven are located on 20 hectares of lush rolling hills north of Toronto. (Vivian Fox photo)

   This is “no ordinary festival,” just as Dog Tales is no ordinary animal shelter.

   While learning about Ontario animal rescue centres, visitors can find out about “new and exciting products and services for their pets, enjoy vegetarian and vegan cuisine and participate in fun, interactive activities with their dogs.”

   Last year’s fest attracted more than 6,000 animal lovers from across the province.

   Activities previously included dog diving and spa, a search-and-rescue dog display, breed specific rescue, draft horses on parade, vendors with doggie items, artisans, music, wine tasting, food stalls with “gourmet treats” and activities for the kids.

   Dog-gone fancy

 

A visitor to Dog Tales takes a photo of original doggie art work in a stylish kennel. (Jim Fox photo)

  Opening the sanctuary that cost “north of $1 million” for dogs and horses was a “dream come true” for animal lovers Rob Scheinberg and Danielle Eden.

   The husband-wife team behind the private, not-for-profit venture has rescued animals from close to home to around the world, with many of them on “death row” at overloaded and “kill” shelters.

   Their goal was to create “something grand,” inspired by the four dogs they rescued from Israel.

   They created a country-club setting for the dogs and horses – the lucky ones that have been saved from “dire conditions.”

   Scheinberg encourages visitors to drop by and spend some time whether they’re interested in adopting or just to enjoy the surroundings.

   Instead of cages, the kennel living spaces are opulent and furnished with “comfy beds” of custom-made divans and refinished antique sofas.

   There are chandeliers, original animal art work, silver-plated eating and drinking bowls, and private glass-fronted kennels.

   Eden wanted to create a space for neglected dogs to heal, rehabilitate and recover from difficult pasts and become accustomed to life at home while awaiting adoption – no matter how long that takes.

Horse Haven now houses 70 previously unwanted horses. (Barbara Fox photo)

   Horse Haven on the site has 70 animals not for adoption that include retired race horses, the abused and neglected and others saved from slaughter.

   “It’s a happy, fulfilling place to spend their final years with access to outstanding medical and farrier care, good food, room to roam, love and attention,” Scheinberg said.

   Dog Tales now also has other rescue animals including a couple cows and pigs.

   The sanctuary is funded by the couple’s personal contributions along with private donations.

   Need to know

   There is no charge to attend the festival; parking costs $10.

   Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary is off Highway 400 N. at 1405 19th Sideroad, King City.

   Details and adoption information at dogtales.ca; (905) 713-1887

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca