Puppy parties popular in Saskatoon

The last two months have been a lot busier than expected for the people who organize puppy parties in Saskatoon.

At the end of October, puppies visited the CBC Saskatoon office for a news article that has since attracted a ton of interest in the parties. It was one of the most-read CBC Saskatoon stories of the year.

• Puppy parties create fun, cuddly way to support a good cause
• Most-read stories in Saskatchewan in 2016

"It was a great problem to have," said Sara Ghiglione, co-owner of Britebox Storage Company.

The business organizes the parties in partnership with New Hope Dog Rescue, which brings a litter of puppies to play with anyone who asks.

Ghiglione said it was a way for her and her partner to raise funds and awareness for the rescue group.

Since October's article, the company has had requests from different colleges at the University of Saskatchewan, law offices, nursing homes and businesses who want to throw a puppy party for their clients.

"You get all sorts of different people that come in and really enjoy it some that are laying out right on the floor and letting puppies crawl all over them," saidGhiglione.

She said some people are even brought to tears.

Pooches have pawsitive effect

After one puppy party was held at a special care home, Britebox received a letter from one of the residents.

The woman wrote about how before the party, she was struggling.

"I decided I didn't want to go on and wanted to quit eating," she said. "My computer helper listened and asked me what could help change my mind."

The computer helper, who was a volunteer with New Hope, suggested the puppy party. The woman said in the letter that the energy of the pups was contagious.

"Our multipurpose room was filled with excited puppy yips, laughterand big smiles. The puppies'cuteness was almost magical, making everyone happy," she said.

Puppy Parties create fun, cuddly way to support a good cause

8 years ago

Duration 1:46

Puppy Parties create fun, cuddly way to support a good cause

Ghiglione said the company is still learning as it goes, and can only do the playful parties when the rescue group has the right dogs available.

For every puppy party Briteboxputs on, it makes a donation to the rescue group. It also askswhoever is holding the party to do the same.

Ghiglione said New Hope has had some adoptions as a result of the party. She said Briteboxis now looking at whether it can do a similar project nationally through its space rental website, GHIGS.

Most-read CBC Saskatoon stories of 2016:

1. 'Let us do our jobs': RCMP respond to Sask. farmers taking up arms
2. Saskatoon family of 4 dead after highway crash
3. Northern Sask. communities in shock after 3 girls take own lives
4. Elderly man using walker begs for access to washroom, but gas station refuses
5. Puppy parties create fun, cuddly way to support a good cause