Chihuahua Therapy dogs; Chula, Cortez, Bruno and Bendito, arrive together. See a gallery below. (Gayle Shomer/DavidsonNews.net)

Weather couldn’t keep local canines and their owners from frolicking at the 2013 Bark in the Park Top Dog Festival  on Saturday, April 27, at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville. Thousands of visitors came for a variety of activities, from live music to demonstrations to dog contests.

Our photographer Gayle Shomer was there to record the scene. See her photo gallery below. Read the full story

Warning, Dogs Ahead: The 2013 Bark in the Park Top Dog Festival is on the agenda this Saturday, April 27, at Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville.

Organizers say last year’s festival attracted more than 17,500 people, and their dogs. This year’s 9th annual event runs 10am to 4pm, rain or shine. Read the full story

Alex Grace

It started as tires were screeching throughout the streets of Monroe, North Carolina and it ended with the heartbreaking yelps of a puppy barely old enough to be weaned from her mother. Captain Beth Greene of the Monroe Police Department, was alerted and began lifesaving efforts to help this precious girl. After contacting Daryl Wagner with FurBabies Animal Rescue Group, the puppy was rushed to Miller Animal Hospital with life-threatening injuries and given a grave prognosis. A plea for help was posted on Facebook and a community of passionate and caring animal lovers came together offering prayers and donations for a pup they were calling Rudy. Read the full story

Jim Strowd and Simon picked up a second place award in the dog walk from organizer Joanna Copio at the 2012 Paws Too Run dog walk. (Cristina Mourao/DavidsonNews.net)

The 3rd Annual Pawz Too Run 5K and 10K races, followed by a community dog walk, are scheduled this Saturday, April 13, on the Davidson Village Green. The event, from 8am to 2pm, also includes a pet vendor fair, and is a benefit for local not-for-profit Friends of the Animals.

Friends of the Animals is raising money to build a state-of-the art animal adoption and education center with a spay/neuter clinic at the Langtree at the Lake development at Exit 31 and I-77. Read the full story

The owlet has a broken wing, which should heal.

HUNTERSVILLE - Amid all of the hoopla of an eagle release and lots of visitors to the Raptor Trail, Carolina Raptor Center recently quietly began its busiest time of year – orphan season. The first orphaned raptor, a great horned owl chick, arrived on March 16, after being found in Hiddenite with a broken right wing. Read the full story

Join Deborah Bell and Company on Saturday, December 8th at Lucky Dog Bark and Brew from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for “Dear Santa Pawz, All I want for Christmas is…”

Bring your furry friends for a picture with Santa! The cost is $25 and proceeds will benefit Forever Home Canine Rescue. Registration starts at 10 a.m.

You can pre-register at Mercedes Benz of Northlake Hendrick Luxury Auto Mall on Friday Nov. 30th or Friday, Dec. 7th from  3 p.m.- 7 p.m. for a chance to win the use of a Mercedes Benz, Lexus, or BMW for an entire weekend* or dinner at the Peninsula Yacht Club.

The first 50 people to pre-register will receive a doggie stocking full of Christmas joy.

Lucky Dog Bark and Brew is located at 19607 Statesville Road in Cornelius.

*Must be present on December 8th to win your luxury ride