*GUEST BLOG POST* From Felines to Canines: How Bark & Bond Champions Pet Wellness Through Enrichment
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I’m Dr. Orazie Cook, founder of Praline’s Backyard Foundation. At our foundation, we believe the bond between people and their pets—whether they have whiskers or wagging tails—is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. That’s exactly why we created the Bark & Bond Festival & 3K, happening on May 4th at Westside Park in Atlanta.
While Bark & Bond is designed for dogs, the message behind it is for every pet parent: enrichment changes lives.
As cat lovers, you already understand how vital it is to stimulate your pet’s mind, encourage healthy movement, and nurture the deep bond you share. Whether it’s a new toy, a window perch, or that perfect chin scratch, those small moments build trust and joy. At Bark & Bond, we’re creating that same magic for dogs through agility courses, interactive command stations, dog massage demos, paw print art, enrichment toy giveaways, and more.
But what makes this event truly meaningful is the mission behind it. Praline’s Backyard Foundation supports survivors of domestic violence by providing safe foster and boarding care for their pets. Too often, people stay in dangerous situations because they can’t leave their beloved animals behind. We’re working to change that—one leash, one paw, one safe home at a time.
Every registration to Bark & Bond directly supports this mission. And whether you’re attending in person or cheering us on virtually, you’re helping us create a future where no pet is left behind.
So why am I sharing this with Afrocentric Kitty’s readers? Because you already get it. You know how enrichment and compassion can transform an animal’s life. We just happen to be doing it on a different species. But the love? The connection? That’s exactly the same.
We’d love for you to join us—and help spread the word.
Explore the event and register HERE
Learn more about our foundation’s work HERE
Thank you for all the ways you show up for your pets. Let’s continue celebrating that bond—together.