By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

The reason behind holding Dog Days of Summer is as simple as A-B-C or D-O-G.

“Who doesn’t love dogs,” Nate Sunday said.

“Instead of children, we have dogs and cats,” he said. “Everyone has their niche in life that they can help out a different organization, whether it is the Lions Club or Rotary. This is our deal.”

Nate and his wife Carol Sunday are the owners of the local business Tasteful Things and also the organizers of Dog Days of Summer, which took place on Saturday. Now in its seventh year, Dog Days is “a fundraiser for Harvest Hills Animal Shelter and between three and five other organizations that we feel good about,” Nate explained.

“It is mostly for Harvest Hills. They get 50% of everything we generate,” he said.

A few other recipients include Pet for Vets, Oxford Hills Veterinary Clinic.

“Also, a little bit of money for organizations like this goes a long, long way. If we give Harvest Hills $2,500, that is a lot more that they can do for the dogs and cats at the shelter,” he said.

While helping out domesticated animals is serious business, the fund-raising event is just pure fun. That is obvious based on the reactions of the canines brought here by their owners.

“It is a wonderful social event for the dogs,” Nate said. “We haven’t had any disagreements between the dogs or between the owners.”

The response of the community reassures the Sundays that the event is well supported.

“People call us in January and February, saying, ‘Are going to do it this year?’ That is really meaningful to me and Carol that it has grown as much as it has,” he said. 

Compared to 2018 — the first year of the fundraiser, the number of vendors was about one-quarter of what it is now, he said.

“This year, on the books, we had close to 30 vendors. Up until last week, we had people saying, ‘Hey, we want to be involved’ so we found room for them. From animal organizations to Cheryl Willey, a real estate agent, people just like dogs,” Nate said.

Dog Days strives to be a balance of fun and informative.

“We do our very best to educate people, whether it is about dog grooming or dog training. Sometimes, veterinarians will give talks on Lyme disease or types of cancers that unfortunately dogs are prone to get,” he said.

Harvest Hills Executive Director Joan McBurnie said she was extremely appreciative of the fundraiser. Also, she has noticed that some folks have the misconception that Harvest Hills puts on the event. The shelter does not organize this summertime fundraiser, she said.

“I’ve received a lot of phone calls that people think it is a Harvest Hills event. It is not — it benefits us. But, Nate and Carol Sunday have been putting this event on. They do an amazing job. They organize all the vendors. It’s a community event,” McBurnie said.

“Nate and Carol Sunday do this from the bottom of their hearts. They are such animal lovers.”

Dog Days is an opportunity to talk to dog owners and animal lovers in a relaxed environment.

“We feel like we are visible on Route 302, but people can go eye blind, read the signs and not know the shelter and the Thrift Store are there,” she commented.

“We have already talked to people about things like our adoptable animals and people have brought donations for our thrift store,” she said, adding, “It’s a great PR event for us.”

If anyone is interested in being a sponsor or a vendor for Dog Days 2025, call Tasteful Things (207) 577-0782 or stop into the store located 8 Depot St. in Bridgton.