‘A Fantastic Day’: New Canaan Dog Days Draws Hundreds to the Nature Center

Ryan Rossetter’s dog, a “double merle” border collie mix named Zero, was born blind and deaf.

Pet Pantry’s Ari and Adam Jacobson at ‘New Canaan Dog Days’ held at the New Canaan Nature Center. June 1, 2025. Credit: Michael Dinan

Sitting in the shade of a tent at the New Canaan Nature Center on Sunday afternoon, Rossetter said that he rescued Zero about three-and-a-half years ago from New York. 

“We’re taking a breather because he’s been so excited running around everywhere,” Rossetter said during the annual ‘New Canaan Dog Days’ event, organized by Pet Pantry and benefiting both the Nature Center and Adopt-A-Dog rescue in Armonk, N.Y.

Chessie Sieke of New Canaan at ‘New Canaan Dog Days’ presented by Pet Pantry and held at the New Canaan Nature Center. June 1, 2025. Credit: Michael Dinan

It was the first time at Dog Days for both Rossetter and Zero.

“This is awesome,” he said. “This is really cool. We haven’t been to an event like this when there are so many dogs and vendors all together. It’s very cool.”

Hundreds of dogs and dog-lovers turned out on a cool, overcast day, where the four-legged family members enjoyed a lure course, splash zone, ball pit, “ice cream pawlor,” “bone bar” and new “bonkers for balls” scavenger hunt put on by New Canaan-based Rock Paper Scissors Custom Events.

George Ault of New Canaan at ‘New Canaan Dog Days’ presented by Pet Pantry and held at the New Canaan Nature Center. June 1, 2025. Credit: Michael Dinan

Pet Pantry’s Adam Jacobson called this year’s Dog Days “absolutely phenomenal.”

“The turnout, the community, the tail-wagging,” he said. “Everything about this has been such a perfect day. We’re so appreciative of the Nature Center, the town of New Canaan and all the wonderful pet parents.”

Dogs and dog parents greeted each other on the wide lawn near the Visitors Center, ringed with vendors giving away food and offering services such as photography and camp. 

L-R: NCPD Animal Control Officer Sean Godejohn with Kelli, Morgan and Danni Godejohn and Officer Roy Adams at ‘New Canaan Dog Days’ presented by Pet Pantry and held at the New Canaan Nature Center. June 1, 2025. Credit: Michael Dinan

Officer Sean Godejohn, head of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section, greeted attendees with his family and Officer Roy Adams at the NCPD booth.

There, Godejohn said visitors helped themselves to complementary coffee and donuts from Speedy.

“We talked to people about getting their dogs licensed, since June is dog licensing month,” Godejohn said. (New Canaan has bout 2,700 licensed dogs, he said.)

Dudley Lampen of New Canaan at ‘New Canaan Dog Days’ presented by Pet Pantry and held at the New Canaan Nature Center. June 1, 2025. Credit: Michael Dinan

Bill Flynn, executive director of the Nature Center, mixed with the crowds on the Oenoke Ridge campus.

“It’s a beautiful day,” he said. “It stopped raining for today just for this event and we probably have had 1,000 plus people. It’s been a steady flow. Everybody’s having a good time—the dogs, the people. Pet Pantry is fantastic for putting this on, and benefitting us and Adopt-A-Dog. All in all, a fantastic day.”