Paws in the Park 2026
When Candace was dropped off at a groomer with her brother, no one expected she would be left behind.
But she was.
At just 18 months old, this 55-pound Chocolate Lab/Bully mix went from confusion and abandonment... to something else entirely: a second chance.
Today, Candace is one of Save A Dog’s brightest success stories—and a powerful reminder of what community support can do.
Because Candace didn’t just need a home: She needed medical care. She needed surgery.
She needed people she had never met to believe she was worth saving.
Thanks to donations, Candace received corrective surgery for painful entropic eyelids—a procedure that changed not just her comfort, but her future. Now fully recovered, she’s affectionate, playful, house-trained, and ready for the forever home she was once denied.
And her story is just one of many.
On Sunday, May 3rd from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Save A Dog will host its annual Paws in the Park fundraiser—its largest event of the year—bringing together families, dog lovers, and supporters to raise critical funds for dogs like Candace.
This isn’t just a day in the park.
It’s what makes second chances possible.
Funds raised go directly toward medical care, rehabilitation, and daily support for rescue dogs—turning moments of abandonment into stories of healing and hope.
Boston 25 News reporter Ray Villeda, known for his “Furever Friday” features spotlighting adoptable dogs, will attend the event, continuing his commitment to sharing stories like Candace’s with the wider community.
Attendees can expect a dog agility course, family-friendly activities, food vendors, other pet rescue organizations and the chance to meet the very animals whose lives have been changed by community generosity.
For Candace, that generosity meant relief from pain. It meant safety. It meant a future.
Now, she’s waiting for one more thing: A home.
Join Save A Dog for this day of celebration and community set in the beautiful backdrop of Longfellow’s Wayside Inn. Join us, donate and make a difference for animals with Save a Dog. Meet other dog lovers for a day filled with family and canine fun while helping us raise money for homeless dogs!
Some of the activities that will be running throughout the day include an Agility Try-out ring, A Parade of Adoptable Dogs, Doggie Games, a raffle and silent auction, food, exhibitors, and more.
Event Links
Inquiries: https://go.evvnt.com/3610663-0
