Hi, I’m Clancy the golden retriever!
Summer has arrived in the Comox Valley, and with it comes the bustling market season—my absolute favourite! The air is filled with delicious aromas, everyone seems to be in a cheerful mood, and there’s always something new to discover. The best part? Dogs are welcome, so I get to catch up with my canine pals. We do our best to be on our best behaviour so our humans will keep bringing us along.
One of our favourite spots is the Pet Treat Bakery (PTB) booth, where Tony always greets us with a tasty morsel. If my buddies can’t join me, the friendly folks from the Beaufort Association for Inclusion hand out treats for us to take home—or for other pets like cats (who, honestly, I don’t always get along with). PTB is operated by the Beaufort Association, which provides day programs for people with developmental disabilities. Everyone working at PTB has a disability, and some of Beaufort’s participants help with packaging the treats. It’s a great way for them to build confidence, develop new skills, and even earn money.
Come out to the markets. There’s crafts and products for sale, and vendors with a variety of goodies.
Tony and the Beaufort Association board members will be there selling treats and visiting with community members. They are sure to give us dogs a sample, even if you don’t buy anything. Here’s a list of locations and dates:
- 5th Street Courtenay 19th July – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
- Saturday Farmers Markets at the fairgrounds 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on July 5,12, 26 and August 9, 16.
As the temperatures rise, I’ve picked up a few important reminders for staying safe at the markets:
Stick to the shade: Try to walk and rest in shady spots to avoid overheating. When it's super hot out, it’s important we have dog booties or dog ‘shoes’ with rubber soles.
Keep an eye out for dropped food: Not everything on the ground is safe for dogs—watch out for foods that could upset our stomachs.
Bring a portable water bowl: It’s important to have fresh water handy, especially on warm days.
Use a harness instead of a collar: Markets can get busy, and a harness is safer and more comfortable if you need to be guided through a crowd.
Take breaks: If things get too noisy or overwhelming, find a quiet corner to relax for a few minutes.
With a little preparation and care, market days can be fun and safe for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike!
