English Shepherd Gathering: June 2011

We will be holding an English shepherd Gathering at Brandywine Farm and the adjacent township park on June 11-12, 2011.

You don't have to own an English shepherd to attend; fans and interested parties are always welcome. And your dog doesn't have to be an ES to attend -- all well-mannered dogs are invited.

Guide to local eats, entertainment, and services 

(Five-page PDF to print out, includes emergency vet, grocery, dog food, restaurants, etc.) 

Schedule of events and R&R

When we are doing what, and some rules and guidelines

Map.  Or enter 100 Community Center Drive, Harmony PA 16037 (address of the community center)


View Brandywine Farm in a larger map

Events will include:

Potluck and barbeque
Silent auction to benefit NESR
Canine Good Citizen testing
Possible stockwork clinic
Canine freestyle clinic
Presentations on breed history and conservation
Search and rescue demonstration
Stupid ES tricks contest
Movie night in the barn (We were going to hold a drunken barn dance, but the floor is a little uneven)
Agility opportunities

And plenty of time to enjoy the late spring beauty of Brandywine Farm.

On Friday night before the Gathering we will host a real canine SAR training (not just an educational demonstration) in which anyone who would like may participate.  We will set up moderate-length training tasks for Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group's SAR dogs (and guest SAR dogs), including both airscenting and trailing tasks.  You can serve as a volunteer lost person or walk on a task with a dog and handler.

We'll be adding directions, lodging and camping information in the next couple months.

RSVP or ask questions in a comment on this page, or visit the Gathering's Facebook page.

For a ballpark location, check zip code 16037

Lodging Information:

Pet-friendly and pet-tolerant motels are located in Cranberry Township (most with a Mars address) about 13 miles due south, and easily accessible via US Route 19 or Interstate 79/US Route 19

Cranberry Red Roof Inn
20009 Rt. 19 & Marguerite Rd.,
Mars PA
724-776-5670
No pet fees.  Rates between about $65 - $70

Cranberry Motel 6
19025 Perry Highway
Mars, PA
724-776-4333
No pet fees.  Rates about $50-$55 night

Comfort Inn Cranberry
924 Sheraton Drive
Mars, PA
(724) 772-2700
$10 per stay flat pet fee.  Pets left alone in room must be crated, must not make noise and disturb other guests

Cranberry Super 8
929 Sheraton Drive
Mars, PA 16046
(724) 776-9700
Pets up to 50 pounds.  $10 per pet/per night fee.

Most campgrounds are located north of Brandywine Farm, in the Moraine State Park area, between 7 and 21 miles away.  The two closest campgrounds have breed-restrictive policies; I cannot recommend them, but include the information here FYI.  Be sure to have your dog’s vaccination paperwork at campground check-in.

Breakneck Campground
1757 Cheeseman Road
Portersville, PA 16051
Primitive sites, popup camper sites, cabins
Dogs must be leashed

Rose Point Park Cabins and Camping
8775 Old Route 422
New Castle, PA 16101
(724) 924-2415
https://rosepointpark.com/

Lake Arthur Family Campgrounds
243 West Liberty Road,
Slippery Rock, PA 16057-5307
(724) 794-9901 ‎
www.lakearthurfamilycampground.com
Dogs must be leashed
Limited site availability - reserve early

Bear Run Campground
184 Badger Hill Road
Portersville, PA
724-368-3564
Has a breed-restrictive policy.  This does not affect English shepherds, but still, on general principles -- or for those who are traveling with other breeds.  I suggest informing owners that you will not patronize a CG with a breed ban.

Indian Brave Campgrounds
159 Perry Highway,
Harmony, PA
724-452-9204
Closest campground to Brandywine Farm.  Has breed-restrictive policy and does not return telephone messages. I suggest informing owners that you will not patronize a CG with a breed ban.

Cooper’s Lake Campground
Private event the weekend of our Gathering, no sites available