Featured Festival: Puppy Mill Awareness Day, 2022

If you’ve been a citizen of HeidiTown for any length of time, you know that I love dogs. There is something about a dog that brings out the best in me, in fact, all animals have a positive effect on me, but especially dogs. 

Puppy Mill Awareness Day Logo 2 2022

I believe that we have a responsibility to ensure the best life for dogs. However, the mass breeding industry that produces puppies at a startling rate (and with a startling rate of medical issues) is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart. 

I have been involved in promoting this festival from the beginning when it was known as Hops & Harley. Harley, the little dog that started all of this, has now passed away, but his legacy lives on at Puppy Mill Awareness Day in Berthoud, Colorado. 

Harley at the City Star Brewing
This is Harley. He was an amazing little dog.

If you are unaware of the story, please go to  Harley’s Dream online and read Harley’s Story. He was the 2015 American Humane Hero Dog, and rightly so. He started this event, and it lives on.

Related: Salida, a Southern Colorado, Dog-Friendly Town

This year, on September 10, everyone, including dogs, is invited to attend Puppy Mill Awareness Day under the big shady trees in Fickel Park, Berthoud, Colorado. The event is free to attend. Bring a picnic blanket, the kids, grandma, and the dog, and plan to make a day of it!

And, you can adopt a dog. So, if you are looking to add a new family member, be sure to attend. 

All photos by Emily Sierra Photography (https://emilysierra.com/)

In addition to adoptable dogs, there will be lots of great food provided by food trucks, music, awareness booths, vendors, and a Blessing of the Animals. If you haven’t witnessed a blessing, it acknowledges the relationship between us and our pets and is a moving affair. 

The Town of Berthoud, where this event has always been held, will make a proclamation, there will be a doggie flea market, a doggie costume contest you don’t want to miss, and new to the event, The Puppy Mill Experience Interactive Tour. 

Loveland Oktoberfest, September 16-17, 2022

The best part is that this isn’t just “something fun to do” on the weekend. One hundred percent of the proceeds of this festival go to benefit the Colorado-based nonprofit Harley’s Dream. I encourage you to read all about it. 

Featured Festival Hops & Harley photo by Emily Sierra - random dog
Don’t forget to bring the dog!!! Photo by Emily Sierra Photography

Harley’s Dream was created as an organization to educate the public about puppy mills. It is such an amazing cause and it that why HeidiTown is an in-kind sponsor of this event every year.

Join me on Saturday, September 10, beneath the trees at Fickel Park in Berthoud, Colorado, for Puppy Mill Awareness Day. The fun starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Come, enjoy some food and puppy cuddles, listen to music and help dogs. After all, I truly believe we owe them the world because they’d certainly give the world to us if they could.

1 Comment


  1. I’m so proud of you for being a part of this year after year. I would love to be a part of this! Some year I’m going to hop on the jet and go to this!! Carm

    Reply

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