For the first time, the Moyneyana Festival will be holding a Pet Appreciation Day as part its program.

This day is the brainchild of committee member Sue Flaherty and has an open invite for all dog owners to bring along man’s, or woman’s, best friend.

Ms Flaherty lives in Warrnambool but holidays in Port Fairy during the summer.

She brings along her chocolate labrador Ted, thus sparking the idea for the Pet Appreciation Day.

“One thing I noticed in Port Fairy in the summer is the amount of people that bring their dogs on holiday with them,” Ms Flaherty said.

“I thought it would be fun to have a day where everyone can come together on the Village Green for a social day out.”

As well as a social gathering, the day will offer services for pet owners to tap into.

A pet photographer and stalls with dog grooming and other pet needs will be set up.

There will also be showbags and giveaways.

To be held on Thursday, January 19, the day will also focus on the need for pet owners to act responsibly. 

Ms Flaherty said the timing of the day is important.

“There are a lot of cases where people get a new pet for Christmas and after a couple of weeks the novelty has died off and those pets are off-loaded,” Ms Flaherty said.

“We have got representatives from the Port Fairy Veterinary Clinic coming along and they will talk about what responsibilities people take on when they get a pet.

“It is important people know that getting a pet is a lot of fun but is also long-term commitment.” 

This is Ms Flaherty’s third year on the Moyneyana Festival.

Since joining the committee, she has designed the front cover of the festival program each year.

This year she has also taken on the role of sponsorship officer.

Her involvement in the committee is something she enjoys.

“It’s a great committee to be part of, everyone gets in and does their bit to make it work,” she said.

“Port Fairy is a wonderful place, it is a community that makes you feel like you belong.”