Dog Retreat Weekend to aid Pets - July/August 11

By Marilyn Hughes

The 4th annual Dog Retreat at The Elms will be held August 26, 27, 28 at The Elms in Excelsior Springs, just 20 minutes north of Kansas City. The Elms is set on 16 picturesque acres and activities will be held inside and outside the pet friendly hotel. Well-behaved, vaccinated dogs are welcomed-but they must be on leashes.

Dog Retreat Weekend kicks off Friday evening August 26th at dark — with a $1 movie on the lawn for people and dogs.

On Saturday August 27th The day starts early. A 5k Run/1 mile walk is scheduled with an 8:30 am race start. After the race, a Pet Expo runs from 10 am — 4 pm.

Pet Expo Features
The Pet Expo will feature vendors, demos, dog contests, speakers, art show, dog spa, an agility course, seminars plus a huge pet adoption area. There will also be raffles and plenty of free samples. A free kids corner tent will offer games and educational opportunities for children.
Dr Wayne Hunthausen, DVM is scheduled to speak at 11:00 Saturday. Hunthausen is a world renowned animal behaviorist and the author of many books. Peggy Oertwig will teach a pet first aid class. And Misty Kapitza will speak on introducing a new furry family member. All seminars are free.

On-Site Doggy Day Care
On-site drop in doggy day care will be available from 11 am — 2 pm on Saturday for a $5 an hour donation.
Sunday August 28th, a benefit pancake breakfast is scheduled with other activities to be announced.
Dog Retreat is a fundraiser for Excelsior Springs Friends of Animals (ESFOA). All monies raised benefit’s ESFOA’s animal care fund.

Rooms at The Elms Hotel
Rooms are available at the Elms for those who wish to stay the weekend. Those who stay at the hotel rooms will receive a free goody bag if they ask for a Dog Retreat room when booking.

The non-profit organization based in Excelsior Springs aids homeless pets and pet owners from all over the Kansas City area.
The organization’s website is www.esfoa.org. You can reach ESFOA at 816-630-0696 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .