Boston Dog Moms’ National Dog Day Weekend events brought together dog lovers, rescues, and local businesses for a tail-wagging celebration across multiple locations. Kendra Scott stores across grater Boston hosted a series of fundraisers that combined shopping, pet adoptions, and community engagement, all in support of local animal rescue organizations. This weekend-long extravaganza raised funds for deserving causes while highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the joy that our furry companions bring to our lives.

How did Boston's dog-loving community come together for National Dog Day Weekend?

Our city's passion for pups was on full display during National Dog Day Weekend, with a series of heartwarming events that brought together dog moms, local businesses, and rescue organizations. From Legacy Place to Newbury Street, each gathering showcased the unique bond between Bostonians and their furry companions while highlighting the incredible local businesses and rescue efforts that make our community thrive. Let's take a stroll through the weekend's tail-wagging highlights!

“Boston Dog Moms” Treats by The Pet Snackery

Buddy and Friends Animal Rescue at Legacy Place

On Saturday, we kicked off the weekend at Kendra Scott Legacy Place, partnering with Buddy and Friends Animal Rescue. This event set the tone for the entire weekend, combining a little retail therapy with the heartwarming mission of animal rescue.

Gina, a dedicated volunteer from Buddy and Friends, brought along Lady, an adorable adoptable puppy who quickly became the star of the show. Lady's presence not only brought smiles to everyone's faces but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of animal adoption. Throughout the day, Lady received countless pets and cuddles from attendees, showcasing the instant connection that can form between humans and animals.

The event at Legacy Place wasn't just about cute puppies, though. It was a prime example of how businesses can use their platform to support important causes. Kendra Scott's commitment to donating 20% of sales directly to the rescue demonstrated corporate social responsibility in action. This model of giving back resonated with shoppers, many of whom expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support animal welfare while purchasing beautiful jewelry.

Throughout the day, representatives from Buddy and Friends Animal Rescue were on hand to educate attendees about their mission, the adoption process, and the challenges faced by rescue organizations. Many visitors were surprised to learn about the extensive network of foster homes and volunteers that make animal rescue possible. This educational component added depth to the event, transforming it from a simple shopping experience into an opportunity for community engagement and awareness-raising.

Lacey stole the show in her beautiful tutu at our National Dog Day event at Kendra Scott in Dedham! 🐾 Thank you to Laura and Lacey for joining us and making this fundraiser so special. 📸 Dr. Allett Mekler

The success of this first event set a high bar for the rest of the weekend, creating buzz and excitement that carried through to Sunday's activities.

2. Great Dog Rescue at Lynnfield Market Street

It was wonderful seeing so many people shopping and spending time with their pups for such a great cause Photo: Boston Dog Moms/Kendra /Scott (© Nancy Dion)

Sunday morning saw us at Lynnfield MarketStreet, where we teamed up with Great Dog Rescue. The community turned out in force, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference in the lives of rescue dogs. The event combined shopping with the chance to learn about adoption opportunities, creating a vibrant atmosphere of compassion and action.

Photo: Boston Dog Moms/Kendra /Scott (© Nancy Dion)

From the moment the doors opened, it was clear that this event would be something special. It was so incredible to meet members of our community in person! The enthusiasm was palpable, with many attendees sharing stories of their own rescue pets or their desire to adopt in the future.

Photo: Zoeby's Custom Creations/Boston Dog Moms/Kendra /Scott (© Nancy Dion)

The highlight of both Saturday gatherings was undoubtedly Zobey's Custom Creations, offering beautiful pet portraits to anyone who donated $100 or more. Zobey, the talented artist behind the custom creations, worked tirelessly to capture the essence of beloved pets in vibrant, personalized portraits.

Throughout the event, Kendra Scott staff members went above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for both two-legged and four-legged visitors. They engaged with customers about the cause, sharing their own passion for animal welfare and explaining how each purchase contributed to the rescue's efforts. This personal touch added depth to the shopping experience, making customers feel like active participants in a larger mission.

Boston Dog Moms/Kendra /Scott (© Nancy Dion)

As the morning progressed, the energy at Lynnfield MarketStreet continued to build. The combination of beautiful jewelry, wagging tails, and a shared sense of purpose created an atmosphere of joy and community that left a lasting impression on all who attended.

3. Big Wave Dog Rescue on Newbury Street

The energy was amazing at our National Dog Day Fundraiser at Kendra Scott! 🛍 We loved seeing everyone come out to shop and support Big Wave Dog Rescue. Your purchases are helping rescue pups in need, and we're so grateful for the community's generosity and enthusiasm. 📸 Memories by Gray

Our Sunday afternoon event on Newbury Street featured a collaboration with Big Wave Dog Rescue, bringing the spirit of animal welfare to one of Boston's most iconic shopping destinations. This event stood out for its unique blend of art, philanthropy, and community engagement.

Big Wave Dog Rescue used this event as an opportunity to educate the public about their specific focus: rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters in southern states and bringing them to loving homes in New England. Before the event, volunteers shared powerful stories online of dogs they had saved, complete with before-and-after photos that illustrated the transformative power of rescue and rehabilitation.

National Dog Day at Kendra Scott was a huge success! 🐾 A big shoutout to everyone who came out to shop and support Big Wave Dog Rescue. From little pups to little ones, it was a joyful day of giving back and celebrating our love for dogs.
📸 Memories by Gray

The Newbury Street location added an extra layer of excitement to the event. The juxtaposition of high-end shopping with grassroots animal welfare efforts created a unique atmosphere that challenged perceptions and opened hearts.

The store's staff expertly balanced their roles as sales associates and advocates for the cause, ensuring that every interaction reinforced the event's philanthropic mission.

Zoeby sits smiling and ready to take on the next dog portrait. 📸 Memories by Gray

Each dog mom got to take home a personalized piece of art featuring their beloved pup. A big thank you to Zoeby for helping us make this event even more special!
📸 Memories by Gray

As the day wore on, the pile of completed pet portraits grew, each one a testament to the bond between humans and their animal companions.

4. Online Support and Giveaways

Recognizing that not everyone could attend the in-person events, we extended our support online, ensuring that dog lovers across the country could participate in our National Dog Day Weekend celebration. This digital component amplified the impact of our fundraising efforts and broadened the reach of our message.

The cornerstone of our online initiative was the special GIVEBACK code system. Shoppers could use these codes during checkout on the Kendra Scott website, ensuring that 20% of their purchases would be donated to the participating rescue organizations. This seamless integration of philanthropy into the online shopping experience made it easy for supporters to contribute, regardless of their location.

Adding an extra layer of excitement to our online efforts, we partnered with The Pet Snackery and Raw Dino to offer a special giveaway. Two lucky supporters would win tickets to Harpoon's Dogtoberfest, a popular event that combines craft beer tasting with dog-friendly activities. This giveaway generated extra buzz, encouraging more people to engage with our National Dog Day Weekend campaign and learn about the participating rescues.

The online component of our event demonstrated the power of technology to connect communities and support important causes. Many participants shared their purchases and donation confirmations on social media, creating a ripple effect of awareness and inspiring others to get involved. The convenience of online giving also allowed supporters to contribute at their own pace throughout the weekend, leading to a steady stream of donations that complemented the energy of our in-person events.

5. Community Impact and Future Events

As the dust settled on our National Dog Day Weekend events, the true impact of our community's efforts became clear. The combination of in-person gatherings and online support created a wave of positive change for local dog rescues, demonstrating the power of collective action.

In total, the weekend's events raised around $600 for our rescue partners. These funds will go directly towards veterinary care, food, shelter, and other essential needs for rescue dogs. Beyond the monetary contributions, the events also led to adoption applications, potentially connecting deserving dogs with loving forever homes.

The success of these events highlighted the deep well of compassion within our community. From the volunteers who gave their time, to the shoppers who made purchases to support the cause, to the online supporters who spread the word, every participant played a crucial role in the weekend's success.

Looking ahead, the overwhelming positive response to our National Dog Day Weekend celebrations has inspired us to plan more animal welfare-focused events in the future. We're already in discussions with our rescue partners and local businesses to create a calendar of activities that will keep the momentum going throughout the year.

Some ideas under consideration include:

A summer adoption fair, bringing together multiple rescues for a day of family-friendly activities and potential matchmaking.
A holiday-themed fundraiser, encouraging supporters to "gift" donations in honor of loved ones.
A series of educational workshops covering topics like responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying/neutering, and how to become a foster parent for rescue animals.

These future events will build on the lessons learned from our National Dog Day Weekend, incorporating feedback from participants to create even more impactful and engaging experiences.

Moreover, the connections forged during this weekend – between businesses, rescues, and community members – have laid the groundwork for ongoing collaborations. We're excited to see how these relationships will evolve and what new initiatives might emerge as a result of this shared commitment to animal welfare.

As we reflect on the success of our National Dog Day Weekend events, we're filled with gratitude for everyone who participated. Whether you attended an in-person event, made an online purchase, or simply helped spread the word, your contribution made a difference in the lives of rescue dogs!

Thank you to our partners at Kendra Scott for their unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. To Buddy and Friends Animal Rescue, Great Dog Rescue, and Big Wave Dog Rescue – your dedication to saving and improving the lives of dogs is truly inspiring. And to every volunteer, shopper, and supporter – you are the heart of this community, and your compassion is changing the world for rescue animals, one paw at a time.

Remember, the spirit of National Dog Day isn't limited to a single weekend. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. Whether it's through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or supporting animal welfare organizations, there are countless ways to keep the momentum going.

We can't wait to see you at our next event, where we'll continue to celebrate the joy of canine companionship and the power of community action. Until then, keep wagging those tails and spreading the love for our furry friends! 🐾

Boston Celebrates National Dog Day: Community, Rescues, and Local Businesses Come Together

How did Boston's dog-loving community come together for National Dog Day Weekend?

Buddy and Friends Animal Rescue at Legacy Place