Saturday June 7th at the Jillian Andolina Dog Yard and the first 50 pets in attendance receive a sweet gift bag!
10:30am is the “Blessing of the Animals” by Deacon Bob McCormick
By: Johanna Elattar, photo by Syrena Lynn Carver from Cause 4 Paws 2024
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Hornell Humane Society will host the annual Cause 4 Paws event from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the newly dedicated Jillian Andolina Dog Yard. This beloved community gathering has been a staple of Hornell for over a decade, growing into a cherished tradition that celebrates both our furry friends and the generous hearts that support them.
The story of Cause 4 Paws began back in 2014 at Shawmutt Park, originally held on World Animal Day in October. Julie Johnson, chairperson of the fundraising committee, shared that the event was conceived as a heartfelt thank you to the Hornell community for their unwavering support of the Humane Society and its animals. Despite the chilly weather typical of October, the event grew year after year, offering a chance for the community to come together, enjoy the company of their pets, and strengthen their connection to the shelter.
However, as the event’s popularity soared, organizers recognized that the cold, unpredictable fall weather often detracted from the fun. So, in a bold move, they made the decision to shift the event to June, where warmer weather promises a more enjoyable experience for everyone—especially the pets!
This year, with the Jillian Andolina Dog Yard now open, Cause 4 Paws has made its permanent home there, offering a beautiful and spacious environment that’s perfect for the day’s activities. And, with the return of Deacon Bob McCormick to bless the animals, the event continues to maintain its spiritual and community-driven roots.
Cause 4 Paws is not your typical animal event—it’s a celebration of life, joy, and the unbreakable bond between people and their pets. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever with a line-up of activities sure to entertain the whole family:
- Petting Zoo: This year’s new attraction is a hit for the kids, providing an opportunity to meet and greet friendly, furry animals in a safe and fun environment.
- Costume Contest: Pets are the stars of the day, showing off their best costumes in a lively, fun-filled contest where creativity knows no bounds.
- Pet Psychic: Curious about what your pet is thinking? This new feature offers a chance to hear from a pet psychic and get some playful insight into your animal’s world.
- Weiner Dog Races: Get ready for some adorable, high-speed competition! Watch as dachshunds race to the finish line in this crowd favorite.
- Hot Dog Bobbing: Dogs will dive into a pool of treats in this fun, splash-filled game, showing off their best bobbing skills.
- Expanded Kids’ Area: This year’s kids’ area is bigger than ever, with lawn games, small carnival attractions, and plenty of space for families to relax and enjoy the day.
The first 50 pets to attend will receive exclusive goody bags filled with treats and toys!
This year’s event is brimming with exciting new additions that are sure to make it an unforgettable day for everyone involved:
- Dog Licking Canvas: Dogs will get to make their own art using peanut butter, creating adorable abstract masterpieces while having a blast!
- Kissing Booth with a Dog: For a small donation, get a sweet kiss from one of the Humane Society’s lovable dogs, adding an extra layer of joy and connection to the event.
Julie Johnson couldn’t be more excited about these additions. “The dog licking canvas is something new that we’re really looking forward to. It’s a chance for dogs to create something special, and it’s going to be a lot of fun for both pets and their owners.”
At its heart, Cause 4 Paws is not just a party—it’s about coming together as a community to show our appreciation for the animals and the people who support them. This event is a “Friend Raiser” rather than a fundraiser, as Julie Johnson describes it. It’s a way to bring people, pets, and local rescue organizations together, fostering lasting bonds and making everyone feel connected to the mission of the Humane Society.
While there will be a variety of local vendors and rescue organizations like Cozy Cats and Kittens in attendance, Julie stresses that the focus is on celebration, not fundraising. “We want to thank the community for their support, raise awareness about our shelter, and offer a fun, safe place for families and pets to enjoy the day together.”
Julie also notes that Cause 4 Paws serves an important educational role. “This event not only celebrates animals and the people who care for them, but it also raises awareness about animal welfare and the work our shelter does. We hope that people will visit the shelter, see the animals, and consider adopting or volunteering.”
For those looking to learn more, there will be informational brochures and literature available from various rescues, helping to spread the word about the critical work being done in the local animal welfare community.
As with any event involving animals, safety is paramount. Julie Johnson emphasizes several important guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for all:
- All dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- Dogs must be vaccinated.
- No female dogs in heat will be allowed at the event.
“We want to make sure that everyone has a great time, but also that the event is safe for both the pets and the people,” Julie says. “We have a great team of volunteers, and we’ve all worked hard to make sure it’s a fun and safe environment for everyone.”
Now in its 11th year, Cause 4 Paws continues to grow and evolve, bringing together an ever-expanding group of volunteers, supporters, and furry friends. This year, Julie is especially excited about the new volunteers who have joined the cause, helping to make the event even more successful and fun.
“Each year, we see new faces, new volunteers, and new supporters of our mission, and that’s what makes Cause 4 Paws so special,” says Julie. “It’s all about the people and animals coming together to celebrate what we all love—our pets and our community.”
With an expected turnout of 60 to 65 dogs, along with plenty of human participants, Cause 4 Paws promises to be a day full of laughter, fun, and love. So, mark your calendars, gather your pets, and join the Hornell Humane Society for a heartwarming celebration that is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a pet owner, animal lover, or just looking for a fun day out, Cause 4 Paws is an event you won’t want to miss.
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Johanna Elattar is a Hornell based writer who loves highlighting the many local animal rescue and shelter efforts. She and her recently adopted , are always available at americangrrl70@gmail.com
