A comprehensive service dog awareness event, Poodle Palooza 2024, will bring together handlers, trainers, and the public at Pasadena City Hall (100 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, California 91105) on Sunday, October 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event, organized by Mobility Service Dogs — West Coast Project (MobilityDog), a nonprofit organization (EIN 82-4426022), promotes their mission of “Solutions for Movement & Owning the Abilities in Disability!”
MobilityDog, an Assistance Dog International (ADI) Candidate Program, is focused on “Raising Awareness & Gratitude for FUNctional Independence.” The organization raises and trains service dogs, supports handlers through education and advocacy, and provides weekly virtual meetings for their community of trainers, puppy raisers, and handlers. “MobilityDog empowers equality for all people,” the organization states. “Regardless of how society classifies us, we all want the ability to work, provide for our family, and follow our dreams.”
The free, ADA-accessible event will feature service dog demonstrations, training exhibitions, and interactive Q&A sessions with handlers. Attendees can participate in adaptive sports activities, including hand-paddle bike trials provided by Ramp It Up (RAMPIITUP.ORG), and exercise breakout sessions led by Neurosport Physical Therapy (PTNEUROSPORT.COM).
Entertainment includes live music by R&B band Sean Lane and The Hell Hounds, while Fat Boys and Sure Good Soft Serve food trucks will provide refreshments. Representatives from the Los Angeles Commission on Disabilities, Rancho Los Amigos Rehab Center, Mobility Wheels, Push Rim Foundation (PUSHRIMFOUNDATION.ORG), and Lucy Pet Foundation (LUCYPETFUNDATION.ORG) will be present to offer community resources.
The event, chaired by Janie Lynn Heinrich alongside Board members Aiko Tan, Jennifer Chen, Lonnie Seager, Thomas Davenport, and Barbry Hogue, includes a raffle featuring two adult E-bikes donated by Fi-Room and Aventon. Those seeking additional information can contact MobilityDog at (626) 470-7742 or info@mobilitydog.org.
