What do you get when you mix passionate dog lovers, a beautiful venue, and a splash of tattoos? A paws-itively unforgettable 10-year reunion party for Save Our Scruff (SOS), of course! On September 8th, SOS celebrated a decade of saving nearly 3,000 dogs with an event that was as heartwarming as it was fun. And let us tell you, this was no ordinary reunion—this was a full-on party with a cause!

The scene was set at the charming West Avenue Cider House in Hamilton, Ontario, a perfect backdrop for an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. As SOS marked ten glorious years of rescuing, rehoming, and rehabilitating dogs, they welcomed supporters past and present to celebrate this incredible milestone.

One of the many exciting features of this year's reunion was the tattoo station hosted by the duo from Toronto Wedding Tattoos, Kory and Valerie. These two are known for their love of tattoo artistry and passion for animal welfare and rescue. The team set up a tattoo station and tattooed small flash pieces for guests, they then donated 100% of their profits from the event to SOS!

Visitors lined up to get their ink, knowing that the funds from their tattoos were going directly to support SOS’s mission. Many guests chose pup-themed designs like paw prints, hearts, and little symbols to represent their furry friends, making this a unique way for attendees to show their support and get a lasting keepsake of the day.

Tattoos were just one part of the SOS reunion though! It was a full-blown celebration of all things doggo and community. With activity stations that included everything from games and friendship bracelet-making to a photobooth and a pup cup station from Crumps Natural Dog Treats, there was something for every member of the family. And let’s be honest, watching dogs enjoy their treats is always a highlight!

For those who love a good auction, the silent auction did not disappoint. With high-value prizes up for grabs, including a signed Mitch Marner Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey and an all-include vacation package, there were plenty of chances to score something fabulous while supporting a great cause.

The merch shop was another hit, and another amazing opportunity to support and represent the Save Our Scruff team! Whether you wanted to rock a new SOS tee or grab a gift for a fellow dog lover, this was the place to be.

The day also featured a heartfelt remembrance station, created in partnership with Awake Pets, where attendees could honor their beloved scruffs who have passed. It was a touching way to celebrate the lives of those who have left paw prints on our hearts.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone involved, SOS hugely surpassed their fundraising goal of $10,000! On average, the rehabilitation of one dog is around $1500 so these funds will go a long way in helping the organization continue its vital work, from rescuing and rehoming to getting medical care and training dogs in need. 

A massive thank you goes out to West Avenue Cider House for being such fantastic hosts and to everyone who came out to support SOS.

If you missed out this time, don’t worry—you can still contribute to SOS’s mission through donations or by checking out their volunteer opportunities. And of course, keep an eye out for future events because when it comes to celebrating our furry friends, SOS knows how to throw a party!

Here’s to another decade of saving scruffs, making memories, and, of course, more fabulous tattoos! 🐾✨