Today, Wilson’s Promenade (Vilsonovo šetalište) in Sarajevo has become a gathering place for animal lovers, hosting the first “Paw of Happiness” (“Šapa sreće”) festival for dogs of all breeds – an event dedicated to dogs, their owners, and the stories that connect them.
Wilson’s Promenade Brings Together Animal Lovers
Samra Krzić-Čelik, the festival organizer from the Association for Social, Cultural, and Creative Development “ZORA,” explained that the event aims to bring together dogs, their owners, families, associations, experts, policymakers, and representatives from the pet industry. The goal is to further foster a culture of responsible pet ownership and address issues essential for improving the quality of life for dogs and their owners in Sarajevo.
“We are incredibly proud that Wilson’s Promenade has become the central hub for animal lovers today at the first ‘Paw of Happiness’ festival for dogs of all breeds. We want to bring together everyone connected to dogs – from owners and families to experts, associations, institutions, and the pet industry – all in one place,” noted Krzić-Čelik.
Educational and Entertaining Activities, Veterinary Advice, and a Dog Parade
The festival runs from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering an educational and entertaining program suitable for all ages. Children can participate in a workshop titled “How to Say Hello to a Snout,” while a parade has been organized for dogs currently awaiting their forever homes.
As part of the “Coffee with a Veterinarian” segment, attendees can receive free expert advice, while the “Give a Paw” zone will showcase various dog tricks and skills. Visitors can also take advantage of professional photography sessions in the “Snout in Focus” zone, and there will be a book launch for 101 Stories of a Golden Retriever. Additionally, prize draws will be held every hour on the hour throughout the festival.
Socializing, education, and discussions on the needs of dogs in Sarajevo
A special segment of the event is dedicated to the needs of citizens and dog owners.
On the “On the Other End of the Leash” board, visitors can share their suggestions and highlight what they believe is necessary to improve conditions for keeping and walking dogs in Sarajevo.
“The voices of our citizens are very important to us. We want to hear what dog owners in Sarajevo feel is missing and what could be improved. Their messages will be incorporated into the final panel discussion, where we will address the actual infrastructural and social needs of dogs and their owners in our city,” said Krzić-Čelik.
The organizer expressed her gratitude to the festival partners – the Public Institution “Center for Culture and Youth” of the Centar Municipality, the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Sarajevo, the Secondary School for Agriculture, Nutrition, Veterinary Medicine, and Service Industries, and the Dogs Trust BiH Foundation – as well as to the general sponsor, Purina PRO PLAN, and other sponsors.
“Their expertise and support were instrumental in bringing this festival to life. We hope that ‘Paw of Happiness’ (Šapa sreće) will become an event that continues to bring Sarajevo together in the years to come, contributing to a better environment for dogs and their owners,” Krzić-Čelik stated, Fena writes.
