While canines are always welcome on Duke of Gloucester Street, the annual Dogs of DoG Street parade will not be held in 2017 after the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation ended its financial support.
The event began in 2015, with a parade down Duke of Gloucester Street consisting of around 1,000 dogs and their owners. The inaugural parade came on the heels of the unveiling of Colonial Williamsburg’s first mascot, the Briard Liberty.
For the past two years, Colonial Williamsburg has partnered with Heritage Humane Society to provide support for the parade.
Dogs of DoG Street raised funds and supplies for the Humane Society through donations, and allowed Heritage to showcase animals that were available for adoption.
However, in light of the Foundation’s “fundamental restructuring” earlier this summer, Colonial Williamsburg decided to end support for the parade.
“Colonial Williamsburg supports the critical work of the Heritage Humane Society and welcomes guests and their companion animals to the Historic Area and in our dog-friendly hotels every day,” said Joe Straw, Public Relations Manager of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
“In 2017 the Foundation has refocused on its core mission,” Straw added. “And with that, made a difficult decision to end its financial and resource support for the Dogs of DoG Street event after two years. We look forward to re-examining the scope of this valued partnership as Colonial Williamsburg returns to a firmer financial footing.”
Heritage Executive Director Kimberly Laska, said she was disappointed, but understood the decision.
“We’re going to take a break and look to do it again next year,” Laska said. “We’re going to shift our focus, which we’re sad about, but we totally understand.”
Heritage Humane Society has several other events planned for the fall, including the Drool at the Pool at Chickahominy Riverfront Park September 9.
