Hermosa Beach Friends of the Park hosts annual Pets in the Park Event

By Danielle Smith

Staff Writer

 on April 16 at the Hermosa Beach Valley Park to bring together the members of the community and their pets for informative booths, activities and adoptions.

According to Hermosa Beach Parks and Rec Commissioner and Liaison of Friends in the Park, Maureen Lewis, the city hosted this event to address the issue of owners not cleaning up after their pets, and it was a very successful and entertaining morning. In past years, the city hosted solely a pet parade, but this year a pet trick contest was also featured. Each attendee was asked to donate $10 to improve Hermosa Beach parks.

“We want to use this event as an opportunity to fundraise and create not only more responsible pet owners, but also happier pets in the South Bay,” Lewis said. “We were very pleased with the outcome and are hoping to see this amazing of a turn out next year too.”

Multiple informative booths were set up to educate Hermosa Beach residents on enforced pet rules and regulations throughout the park. Topics such as not leaving pets in hot cars, not leashing them on the sidewalk for hours and what to do with pets during disasters were addressed.

“All of these booths are very informative and we were excited to have an opportunity to reach out to the South Bay community,” Community Emergency Response Team volunteer Nadine Skye-Davis said.

Local businesses advertised pet merchandise and services at additional booths during the event. Multiple natural pet food brands handed out treat samples and Dog’s Best Friend, a pet training company, gave attendees training clickers along with advice on how to make training a bonding experience.

“This is an awesome event that allows us reach the local community and spread the importance of getting pets the proper care,” Volunteer at Animal Hospital of South Bay, Carly Smith, said. “We are excited to be a part of making pets better citizens in Hermosa Beach and work together with humans to create a more peaceful environment.”

Among the festivities, pets participated in a pet parade, costume and dog trick contests.

“There were so many families who came and everyone was smiling,” Mira Costa parent Amy Riddle said. “It was a very well organized event and a great opportunity to meet other pet-lovers in the community.”