A Closer Bond hosts second annual Corks & Canine event Sunday, Dec. 10

A Closer Bond (ACB) is kicking off the holiday season with its second annual Corks & Canine event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., in Palatine. Friendly dogs of all ages are welcome to attend this free holiday celebration, which includes complimentary pictures of dogs with Santa, a "barketurie" raffle and treats for furry family members. Pet parents can enjoy a wine tasting, a Q&A with ACB founder Katy Cushing and her team of trainers, and an obedience training and trick demonstration with audience volunteers.

While this event is free to attend, donations will be welcome to benefit K9s for Warriors - a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs for veterans to prevent veteran suicide. Veterans who suffer from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and/or military sexual trauma are eligible to receive a service dog, who has been rescued from a shelter and trained, to benefit both veterans and shelter dogs.

"Many families bring puppies into their families over the holiday season," said Katy Cushing. "This event is an opportunity to enjoy social time with other dog owners, ring in the holidays and learn how important it is that every dog and family can truly benefit from training and education."

During the event, training tips that can help puppies, as well as older dogs, to develop social skills and manners will be showcased. ACB has a core mission and philosophy to help dog owners develop a closer bond with their dogs and ensuring puppies have positive experiences now is key to having a well-rounded adult dog in the future.

A Closer Bond is currently seeking vendors who would like to host a promotional table for the event. Setup starts at 10:15 a.m. on the event date, and breakdown is at its conclusion. Vendors can bring any materials they would like to promote their business or organization for attendees throughout the event. They will also be scheduled on stage to conduct a short presentation on their business, if they wish to do so. The inaugural event drew nearly 200 attendees.

For information or for information about vendor tables, email Sandy at sandy@acloserbond.com.

For information about training programs and other services for dogs and their families, visit acloserbond.com or call (847) 358-7312, ext. 1, to RSVP.