Fourth annual Puppy Parade set for April 25 in Hancock

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is delighted to announce that the fourth annual Puppy Parade is coming back to Quincy Green in Hancock on Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m. This event is designed to bring awareness to sexual assault and the resources available to victims in Michigan’s Copper Country.

Community members and pet owners are invited to bring their dogs out for some exercise, and show off their paws for a cause. Rallying together shows victims that they have a support network in their community and that they are not alone. It is through collective action that the Copper Country can create a safe and inclusive culture where victims feel empowered to seek help.

Sexual assault can be difficult to talk about, but the Puppy Parade fosters the opportunity for open and educational dialog to take place. Staffed by Copper Shores Victim Support and supportive volunteers, the Puppy Parade also provides access to important resources for victims and for sexual assault prevention.

While the event is free, participants are asked to register themselves and their pets for the event by using RunSignUp. Those that preregister will receive a free tote bag. For the safety and enjoyment of all participants and pets, color coded bandanas will be provided that coordinate with the dogs’ social needs. Please be mindful of dogs that like having more personal space. 

All proceeds from the Puppy Parade will go towards a colposcope, a piece of equipment used by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners during medical forensic interviews. This piece of equipment captures higher quality imaging than traditional internal cameras and can be used by a prosecutor as evidence. Even if someone can’t attend the event, the community is asked to make a donation at coppershores.org/victim-support. 

The Puppy Parade is the final event of Copper Shores monthlong campaign during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. To learn more about Copper Shores’ sexual assault resources, visit the Victim Support page.