Southampton History Museum And Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Partnering For Second Annual Paws On Parade

A parade of paws and their human companions will stroll through Southampton on Saturday, September 22.

“The Southampton History Museum is always looking to create fun family events on their grounds at affordable price points. With that in mind, Mayor Michael Irving and the Village Trustees have agreed for the 2nd year to provide access to South Main Street for a family walk with their pets to Agawam Beach,” noted Sean Deneny, Southampton History Museum Trustee.

“The Southampton Animal Shelter is pleased to present our Second Annual Paws on Parade Dog Walk,” added Jerry Rosenthal, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) Executive Director. “The day kicks off with a walk from the Southampton History Museum to Bathing Corp Beach and back. Afterwards there will be food and vendors on the grounds of the museum and an opportunity to meet some of dogs available for adoption from the shelter.”

Participants will meet at the grounds of Rogers Mansion at 11 a.m. and embark on an approximately 23-minute walk to the Bathing Corp Beach. At the midway point, St. John’s Church will host its “Blessing of the Animals.” For those that need it, limited return transportation from the beach will be provided courtesy of Town & Country Real Estate.

Once back at the Rogers Mansion, all are welcome to stick around and “PAW’TY” with SASF and the History Museum. There will be family-friendly activities, contests, a dog agility course, auctions, and more.

“While on the grounds, a light snack is being provided by Town & Country Real Estate along with a fire trailer demonstration by the Southampton Village Volunteer Fire Department, professional face painting, and photo ops with Stages’ Children’s Theatre Group in character just prior to their appearance in Bay Street’s Frankenstein Follies,” Deneny shared. “Riverhead Bay Motors will also be showcasing its new Subaru Ascent and Crosstrek vehicles. Master of Ceremonies will be Tramar Pettaway.”

In addition to raising awareness for SASF shelter animals, the morning will also celebrate the life of Rocky, the police K 9 killed in action. Earlier this month, a Riverhead Police Department K9 unit crashed on West Main Street while pursuing a vehicle that refused to stop at a DWI checkpoint on Peconic Avenue. Two police officers were injured in the crash that killed Rocky.

“Last week I went to Calverton to attend the public memorial service for Rocky at Veterans Memorial Park. Rocky was the fallen police K 9 killed in action on Sunday, September 2nd,” Deneny explained. ” I have to say it was incredibly touching to see so many officers saluting this fallen hero alongside their own K 9 partners as the patrol car procession passed.”

Prior to the start of Paws on Parade, Assemblyman Fred Thiele and David Hegermiller, the Chief of Police Riverhead, will be at the Southampton History Museum at 10 a.m. to accept donations in honor of Rocky.

“I believe Paws on Parade is a wonderful opportunity to bring attention to Rocky,” Deneny added. “The Riverhead Police have requested donations for the purchase, training and vet expenses of a new police dog.”

Paws On Parade participants can register as either an individual, start their own Team as a Team Captain, or join an existing Team.

Admission is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. Proceeds will support the animals of the Southampton Animal Shelter and restoration programs at the Southampton Historical Museum.

“It’s a great opportunity for everyone in the family to participate in a fun community event,” Rosenthal added.

The grounds of Rogers Mansion is located at 17 Meeting House Lane in Southampton. For more information, visit sasf.com.