Lulu and Ember the fire house dog with Ember is one of the celebrity Dogs that will be there for photo ops at the K9 Pawfidence Barkfest Charity at Nautical Beach Resort. Courtesy of Nicole Thomas
LAKE HAVASU CITY – With this month’s Barkfest fundraiser, founder of K9 Pawfidence Nicole Thomas will be aiming to raise funds for the various animal charities of Lake Havasu. With more than 20 years of experience as a dog trainer, the former California resident said it was a Havasu dog she rescued named Popeye that motivated the move from Ventura to Havasu in 2020. Popeye feared being in water, and Thomas was the one who taught him how to swim.
That experience also came with becoming captivated with the quaint beach town, and the trainer decided to stay. K9 Pawfidence’s influence over the years with the community is what made Nautical Beachfront Resort reach out to Thomas to organize a festival that included dogs. The nonprofit owner came up with the idea to create a delightful occasion to extend philanthropy to four similar organizations. The charity event will have dogs there looking to be adopted with chip clinic vendors, canine demos from flying disc dogs, Sheriff Ace, a demo from Fitpaws, live music, and of course a contest where the furry ones can compete for best costume and best in show.
Thomas wants the day to be catered towards dog owners creating memories with their pets, all while being supportive of animal needs. “This will be a great opportunity to come out get involved for a good cause it’s a charity-based event. Have fun with your pets. See the different things that you can do with your dog,” Thomas said. The event is free to the public however, those wanting to contribute to the cause as well as have their dog participate in the competition, can purchase tickets for $35 at Barkfest Havasu Tickets.
Paying participants are eligible for finisher bandanas, premium BarkFest swag bag, and a t-shirt. This community gathering will take place on Saturday, February 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nautical Beachfront Resort, 1000 McCulloch Blvd N. Proceeds will go directly to Sheriff K9 Ace, Parker Animal Shelter, Lake Havasu City Canine Rescue, and the Western Arizona Humane Society.
Aside from giving back to several nonprofits, Thomas said the most uplifting part is seeing the many dog lovers that live in the city. “The most exciting part is helping nonprofits and the community. Also showing how dog friendly Lake Havasu is with incorporating dogs into everyday life, and realizing that they are not just dogs, their family members,” Thomas said.
Phaedra Veronique
