Pawsitive Festival
A dog friendly festival is being held at Rouse Hill Town Centre on Sunday, March 23rd with a focus on mental health and the importance of pets to boost wellbeing.
Organised by the Mind Connections Foundation, the Festival will run from 9am to 2pm and will feature stalls plus dog events such as puppy pilates and a dog fashion show.
It is the 14th year that Pawsitive Steps has been held and is growing every year.
This year the dogs and handlers involved with the RuffTrack program which uses dogs as companions in its work with “at risk” youth, will also be involved in the event.
Psychiatrist, Dr Padmini Howpage, founder of the Pawsitive Steps Festival, said: “The Pawsitive Steps annual event has proven one thing—dogs are the best therapists, and they work for belly rubs!
“From stress relief to unconditional love, our furry friends boost mental health in ways science and tail wags confirm.”
Her family’s dog Coco arrived as a six week old abandoned puppy at a time when her 24 year-old daughter was facing treatment for cancer.
She said on her daughter’s hardest days Coco never left her side.
”She curled up at her feet during treatments, rested her head in her lap when nausea from chemotherapy was overwhelming and nudged her hand when the silent grief of losing her hair became unbearable. “
Coco held the family together by making them step out for walks when they couldn’t bear to face the world and “when the tears came, she was always there, offering the silent, unconditional love only a dog could give.
“Coco was never just a pet. She was family. She was love. And even now, at 14 years old, she continues to enjoy the company of the hearts she healed, the lives she touched, and the home she made whole again,” Dr Howpage said.
Director with the Mind Connections Foundation,Cynthia Payne said: “At the Mind Connections Foundation, we recognise the profound impact that dogs have on our mental health.
“They offer unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of purpose, acting as steadfast allies in our journey toward emotional well-being. This event highlights the transformative power of pets, reminding us of the healing connections that bind us and the joy that comes from these incredible bonds.”
Dr Howpage said that according to new research carried out by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Veterinary Association 65 per cent of pet owners say that their animals offer companionship, 65 per cent said they were a “true friend” and 64 per cent said their pet provided them with true love and support.
Festival highlights include a Paws Playdome with sports-based games and exercises to keep you and your dog active.
There will be on stage activities throughout the Festival with MC Nathan Cassar.
The showcase Paws Fashion Show means you can dress up your dog to win $250 in dog supplies. To register email [email protected].
There will also be a 30 minute walk for wellbeing and participants are encouraged to dress up.
The variety of stalls include dog service providers, health and fitness experts, mental health organisations and more.
Dr Howpage said: “Our festival encourages a holistic approach to mental health providing an open and welcoming space to visit our stall.”
“Mental health has always had a stigma attached to it and by having dogs as ambassadors for mental health normalises the day and creates an exciting family outing.
“It is the only Festival dedicated to celebrating dogs as champions of mental health.”
WHAT: PAWSITIVE FESTIVAL
WHERE: Rouse Hill Town Centre, opposite the Metro
WHEN: Sunday, 23rd March from 9am to 2pm.
WEBSITE: Register for the Pets Fashion Pare and the Wellbeing Walk on the website pawsitivesteps.com.au
