(And How Showing Up Changes Lives)
If you are a dog parent in Atlanta, chances are your calendar is already full. Work deadlines, family commitments, social plans, and the daily responsibility of caring for your dog often compete for the same limited hours.
Most days, you are doing your best to keep everything moving. And still, there is that quiet tug of guilt. The feeling that you want to do more. For your dog. For your community. For something bigger than your own routine.
That feeling is exactly why the Atlanta Dog Festival & 3K exists.
On May 3rd, Atlanta dog parents, families, runners, walkers, and animal lovers will come together for a day that blends joy, movement, and purpose. And at the heart of this event is something deeply meaningful.
The Praline’s Backyard Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the beneficiary of the Atlanta Dog Festival & 3K. Every registration, sponsorship, and shared moment supports pets belonging to survivors of domestic violence by ensuring they have safe care when it matters most.
This is not just a fun event. It is a chance to turn love for dogs into real impact.
The Problem Most People Do Not See
The problem is simple. Survivors of domestic violence often delay leaving unsafe situations because they do not know what will happen to their pets.
The problem is heavier. The guilt of knowing someone needs help and not knowing how to step in.
The truth is one many of us share. A balanced life is a happy life. That balance includes compassion, community, and showing up when it counts.
The Atlanta Dog Festival & 3K exists to close that gap between caring and action.
How Praline’s Backyard Foundation Leads the Way
Praline’s Backyard Foundation was created to solve a very specific problem. When someone is ready to leave an abusive situation, their pet should not be the reason they stay.
The foundation provides safe boarding and foster placements so survivors can focus on their own safety and healing, knowing their dog is protected and loved.
The Atlanta Dog Festival & 3K directly supports this mission. Funds raised help cover boarding costs, foster coordination, veterinary care, and logistical support for pets during one of the most vulnerable moments in their family’s life.
This is care that goes beyond words. It is care that removes barriers.
Why the Festival Matters to Atlanta Dog Parents
As a busy dog parent, it is easy to feel disconnected from causes that matter to you. You want to help, but time feels scarce.
The Atlanta Dog Festival & 3K is designed to meet you where you are.
You can walk.
You can run.
You can bring your dog.
You can simply show up and be part of something meaningful.
This event turns a single morning into a lasting impact.
And because it is built around dogs, it feels natural. It fits into your life instead of asking you to pause it.
What to Expect on May 3rd
The Atlanta Dog Festival & 3K is intentionally inclusive. Whether you are an experienced runner, a casual walker, or someone who just wants to enjoy a dog friendly festival, there is space for you.
You will find:
Dog friendly activities
Local vendors and community partners
Music, movement, and connection
A welcoming environment for all dogs and humans
And throughout the event, you will be supporting Praline’s Backyard Foundation and the families who depend on its work.
How This Aligns With Our Values at Praline’s Backyard
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, we guide busy Atlanta dog parents through daily care with structure, enrichment, and reliability.
Our nonprofit arm, Praline’s Backyard Foundation, extends that care outward to the community.
The festival and 3K bring these two worlds together. Everyday dog parents and extraordinary impact.
We believe dog care should support a balanced life. One where you do not have to choose between caring for your own dog and caring about others.
A Simple Plan to Make a Difference
You do not need to overhaul your life to help.
Step one. Register for the Atlanta Dog Festival & 3K on May 3rd.
Step two. Invite friends, family, and fellow dog parents to join you.
Step three. Show up knowing your presence supports pets and people in crisis.
That is it.
No pressure. No overwhelm. Just participation with purpose.
What Happens If We Do Nothing
When events like this do not get support, the cost is real.
Survivors may delay leaving unsafe homes.
Pets may be surrendered or left behind.
Opportunities for healing are lost.
That is the failure we work to prevent.
What Success Looks Like
Success looks like a survivor walking into safety without fear for their dog.
Success looks like a foster home opening its doors because resources exist.
Success looks like a community that shows up together.
On May 3rd, success looks like Atlanta choosing compassion.
Your Invitation
If you have ever felt the pull to do more for dogs, for people, or for your city, this is your moment.
Join us at the Atlanta Dog Festival & 3K on May 3rd. Celebrate your dog. Support a powerful mission. Be part of something that lasts beyond the day.
All links for registration, sponsorships, and event details will be included below.