• Teresa Pressey, Owner, Helping Paws Rescue

Animal Rescue: A Lifeline of Hope
Every day, countless animals suffer from neglect, abandonment, and abuse. Rescue gives them a voice, a chance, and a future. But it takes more than compassion—it takes action, unwavering dedication, and critical funding. Every donation provides food, shelter, medical care, and the hope of a better life. Fundraising isn’t just support—it’s survival.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Teresa Pressey, who has been operating Helping Paws Rescue for over 20 years. Hear her powerful stories, learn what it really takes to make a difference, and bring your questions. Together, we can be the reason they get a second chance.

• Melinda Erin Whitehead, Certified Animal Aromatherapist

This introductory session explores the world of aromatherapy and essential oils, with a special focus on their use with animals versus humans. Learn how essential oils can gently support dogs through a variety of emotional and physical challenges, using safe, simple, and effective applications. We’ll also touch on important safety guidelines and briefly address the more complex and controversial topic of using essential oils with cats, providing a balanced foundation for incorporating aromatherapy into your animal care practice.

• Donna Frezell, Golden Opportunity Assistance Dogs
  

Did you know that 1 in 4 more pets could survive if just one pet first aid technique was used before reaching the vet? In an emergency, you can’t call 911 for your pet—you are their first responder. Preparation is everything, yet many pet parents don’t even know Pet First Aid Courses exist. This engaging session will teach you essential, life-saving skills that can make all the difference in a crisis. Don’t wait for an emergency—learn how to act confidently and effectively before accidents happen. It’s a small investment for a friend who’s truly priceless.

Join the Elgin Dog Sports Club for a tail-wagging stage demo that’ll leave you amazed! As a proud United Kennel Club licensed Nosework Club, they bring you the thrilling world of Scent Detection/Nosework—a sport where dogs become real-life detectives!

Watch as pups of all shapes, sizes, and ages put their sniffers to the test in this exciting showcase of skill, teamwork, and FUN. Whether you’re a dog lover, a future handler, or just curious—this is a must-see event!  

• Melinda Erin Whitehead, Certified Animal Aromatherapist

Discover the power of energy work for animals in this engaging session that explores its uses and benefits for your pets. Learn how gentle energy techniques can support physical healing, ease anxiety, and strengthen your bond with your dog (or any animal companion). You’ll be guided through a full demonstration, with practical tips on how to safely and effectively incorporate energy work into your daily routine, making it a valuable addition to your holistic care toolkit.

• Teresa Pressey, Owner, Helping Paws Rescue

Animal Rescue: A Lifeline of Hope
Every day, countless animals suffer from neglect, abandonment, and abuse. Rescue gives them a voice, a chance, and a future. But it takes more than compassion—it takes action, unwavering dedication, and critical funding. Every donation provides food, shelter, medical care, and the hope of a better life. Fundraising isn’t just support—it’s survival.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Teresa Pressey, who has been operating Helping Paws Rescue for over 20 years. Hear her powerful stories, learn what it really takes to make a difference, and bring your questions. Together, we can be the reason they get a second chance.

Don’t miss the action as our very own McDAWG—Andy Beck—takes the stage for the LIVE AUCTION! Get ready for a high-energy, fun-filled event with fantastic items up for grabs. Whether you’re bidding big or just enjoying the show, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a great way to support a wonderful cause!

• Melinda Erin Whitehead, Certified Animal Aromatherapist

Join us for a heartfelt discussion on the end-of-life journey we all inevitably face with our beloved animal companions. We’ll explore how animals experience this transition, how it affects us and the other animals in our lives, and the emotional and energetic dynamics of this sacred time. The conversation will also touch on natural death versus assisted death, offering insight into holistic approaches that can provide comfort, support, and dignity throughout the phases of dying, death, and grief—for both animals and their humans.

Join the Elgin Dog Sports Club for a tail-wagging stage demo that’ll leave you amazed! As a proud United Kennel Club licensed Nosework Club, they bring you the thrilling world of Scent Detection/Nosework—a sport where dogs become real-life detectives!

Watch as pups of all shapes, sizes, and ages put their sniffers to the test in this exciting showcase of skill, teamwork, and FUN. Whether you’re a dog lover, a future handler, or just curious—this is a must-see event!

• Teresa Pressey, Owner, Helping Paws Rescue

Animal Rescue: A Lifeline of Hope
Every day, countless animals suffer from neglect, abandonment, and abuse. Rescue gives them a voice, a chance, and a future. But it takes more than compassion—it takes action, unwavering dedication, and critical funding. Every donation provides food, shelter, medical care, and the hope of a better life. Fundraising isn’t just support—it’s survival.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Teresa Pressey, who has been operating Helping Paws Rescue for over 20 years. Hear her powerful stories, learn what it really takes to make a difference, and bring your questions. Together, we can be the reason they get a second chance.

• Laura Keates, Animal Shelter Coordinator
  

Join us for a presentation on the exciting new animal shelter currently under construction in St. Thomas! Learn about the vision behind the project, the new facilities being planned, and how it will benefit both animals and the local community. Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A session where you can ask questions, share your thoughts, and find out how to get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about a project that will make a real difference!

• Donna Frezell, Golden Opportunity Assistance Dogs
  

Did you know that 1 out of 4 MORE pets would survive if just ONE pet first aid technique was applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care?  Preparation is key…BEFORE a medical emergency takes place. Yet few pet parents are aware Pet First Aid Courses even exist or have taken one. If you think about it, You can’t call 911 for your pet…YOU have to be your pet’s First Responder.  Accidents happen, so before your pet chokes and before YOU choke on an unnecessary vet bill, come learn some skills to help your best friend! Taking a Pet First Aid course is a small price to pay for a pet who’s ‘priceless’!

• Melinda Erin Whitehead, Certified Animal Aromatherapist

Discover the power of energy work for animals in this engaging session that explores its uses and benefits for your pets. Learn how gentle energy techniques can support physical healing, ease anxiety, and strengthen your bond with your dog (or any animal companion). You’ll be guided through a full demonstration, with practical tips on how to safely and effectively incorporate energy work into your daily routine, making it a valuable addition to your holistic care toolkit.