From Rescue to Rock: 27th Pet Rock Fest Celebrated Kindness to All Creatures

www.petrockfest.org

October, 2025

Contact: Charlene Arsenault              

508-832-8918, 508-736-77078

petrockfest@gmail.com

Jeannie Hebert

508-981-5782

Jhebert@blackstonevalley.org 

From Rescue to Rock: 27th Pet Rock Fest Celebrated Kindness to All Creatures

The 27th annual animal welfare festival drew crowds, wagging tails, and support for rescue and advocacy groups across New England

LANCASTER, MA — Sunshine and smiles filled the Lancaster Fairgrounds on Sunday as the 27th annual Pet Rock Festival brought together animal lovers, advocates, and rescue groups from across New England for a day of music, awareness and celebration.

With temperatures more fitting for July than October, festivalgoers and their four-legged friends enjoyed a full afternoon of performances, activities and community spirit — all centered on Pet Rock Fest’s ongoing mission of kindness to animals.

The 2025 event featured live music from “American Idol” winner David Cook, who headlined a lineup that also included The Wray-Ons, P.E. James, and Eldon James and the One Eyed Cat. The music, mingling and shared cause created what organizers called one of the most heartening festivals yet.

Guests explored rows of vendors, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations offering education and adoption information. Popular features such as the Pet Photo Contest, the Amateur Dog Contest, kids’ activities, CMDART’s agility course, the doggie water park, Tidepool BookShop’s Book Nook, Pups in the Air performances, Mass Vest-a-Dog demos, free pet tag engraving, low cost microchipping and rabies vaccinations from VCA drew steady crowds, while the food vendors from New England VegFest and Tito’s Handmade Vodka “Puptails” station proved to be a favorite among two-legged attendees.

The day began with the Rescue and Shelter Groups Pet Parade, where Brown Dog Coalition and National Great Pyrenees Rescue tied for first place honors. The parade — led by dozens of participating nonprofits — helped kick off the festival’s celebration of compassion and collaboration among groups with shared missions in rescue, advocacy and veterinary care.

“Sometimes it’s hard not to feel discouraged when you see all the negative stories and cruelty in the world, but Pet Rock Fest is a real recharge for the system,” said Founding Partner Charlene Arsenault. “It’s a reminder that there are so many people out there who care deeply about animals and are working alongside us to make a difference.”

Each year, Pet Rock Fest recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for animals. This year’s Juno Hero Awards were presented to Senator Michael Moore and the Brookfield Fire Department for their ongoing animal advocacy efforts.

Two organizations — Foster Parrots and SweetPea Friends of Rutland Animals — were each awarded $500 as winners in the festival’s annual nonprofit Pet Rock Lottery. Additional charity recipients for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We’re so grateful to our attendees, volunteers and sponsors for continuing to support Pet Rock Fest year after year,” said Founding Partner Jeannie Hebert. “Every contribution—big or small—helps us advance our mission and celebrate kindness to animals in a fun, community-focused way.”

Sponsors for this year’s festival included MA Homes LLC, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, AmeriVet Veterinary Partners/Great Road Veterinary Hospital, Paw Plaza, Ellie’s Pet Barn, Jay Moody HVAC, Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), TidePool Bookshop Book Nook, Fenway Bark Dog Resort, Castinetti Realty Group, Maggie’s Food for Pets, Side Quest Dog Training, WCRN and PetMedic Westborough.

Despite ongoing economic challenges, some unfortunate construction timing in Lancaster, and rising event costs, Pet Rock Fest continued its long tradition of uniting the region’s animal welfare community for a common cause — raising funds and awareness for animals in need.

“Every group here may focus on something different — rescue, reform, education, veterinary care — but all of it comes down to kindness to animals,” added Arsenault.

Pet Rock Fest has distributed more than half a million dollars to animal welfare causes since its founding in 1999. Updates on this year’s charity recipients and 2026 festival plans will be posted at petrockfest.org and our social media pages.

About Pet Rock Fest

Celebrating more than 25 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest animal welfare festival in the Northeast. Held annually in the fall, it features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, a raffle, vendors, and participation from hundreds of animal welfare organizations. Beyond its flagship festival, Pet Rock Fest is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds year-round for animal welfare nonprofits and causes across New England. Donations to Pet Rock Fest are tax-deductible and directly support efforts to improve the lives of animals in need.

If you’d like more information, visit www.petrockfest.org.

Yes, There’s Construction — But You Can Still Easily Get to the Lancaster Fairgrounds for Pet Rock Fest 2025!

LANCASTER, Mass. — Don’t let a little roadwork ruffle your fur — Pet Rock Fest is still on for Sunday, Oct. 5, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, and it’s easy to get here.

We’ve heard from some of our vendors and festival-goers who are worried about the Route 117 detour, but rest assured: we’ve spoken directly with Lancaster Police and MassDOT, and they’ve assured us that access to the fairgrounds will remain open.

Here’s what you need to know: Yes, there’s construction work happening near the bridge section of Route 117, but the Lancaster Fairgrounds (318 Seven Bridge Road) is just a short distance beyond the cones. If you see signs that say “Local Traffic Only,” that means you’re in the clear to continue—because you are local traffic. Plus, officials say that there will be detail directing traffic during the time of our festival.

Follow your GPS to:📍 Bolton Fairgrounds / 318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster, MA 01523

Unless someone specifically tells you to stop, you’re good to go. There will be signage and detail officers helping direct vehicles as needed, and our team of volunteers tested the route today with zero problems.

So keep those tails wagging and your wheels rolling — you’ll have no trouble reaching Pet Rock Fest! We can’t wait to see you (and your furry friends) for a day of music, vendors, rescues, food and fun.

Pet Rock Fest announces 2025 Juno Hero Awards

September 30, 2025 - Each year, Pet Rock Fest honors individuals whose actions embody compassion, courage, and a commitment to protecting animals. Renamed in memory of Juno, a beloved rescue dog and tireless symbol of advocacy, the Juno Hero Awards shine a spotlight on people who go above and beyond to make a difference for animals in our communities.

This year’s honorees reflect the many ways that advocacy and rescue take shape — from the halls of the State House, where policy can safeguard animal welfare on a broad scale, to the heart-stopping moments when first responders act decisively to save a life in danger.

Together, their work reminds us that protecting animals is a responsibility that belongs to all of us, and that even a single act of bravery or a single piece of legislation can ripple outward, improving countless lives.

Meet the Animal Juno Hero Award recipients

Senator Michael O. Moore: Champion for Animals, Including Wildlife

When it comes to protecting animals in Massachusetts, Senator Michael O. Moore has consistently been at the center of the effort. Representing the Second Worcester District since 2009, Moore has built a reputation not only as a dedicated public servant but also as a steadfast advocate for animal welfare and wildlife conservation.

Over the years, Moore has partnered closely with organizations including MSPCA-Angell, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Humane Society of Massachusetts, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Together, they have helped shape legislation that strengthens protections for pets and wildlife alike. In 2022, Moore guided Massachusetts into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, making it harder for illegal hunters to escape accountability. That same year, he helped establish a pilot program studying safe highway crossings for animals, a project aimed at reducing collisions and preserving habitats.

Moore has also brought attention to the welfare of companion animals in everyday life. He introduced legislation allowing courts to consider the well-being of pets in custody cases, recognizing that animals are more than property—they are family. His advocacy extends to pushing for a ban on pet ownership by convicted abusers, as well as fighting to restrict the use of toxic rodenticides that can harm wildlife, pets, and even children.

Through this work, Senator Moore has shown how policy can be a powerful tool for compassion. His commitment to the safety and dignity of animals is the reason Pet Rock Festival is proud to honor him as a 2025 recipient of the Juno Hero Award.

Brookfield Fire Department: A Rescue to Remember

For Kris and Paul Casucci, July 4 began with panic. Their nine-month-old Great Pyrenees puppy, Fearghus—known affectionately as Fergie—had vanished. After searching frantically around their property, Kris heard faint cries in the woods. The sound seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere, warped by the trees and brush. Only after pushing through the undergrowth did they discover the truth: Fergie had fallen into an old, hidden well.

At nearly 100 pounds, Fergie was far too heavy to lift out without help. That’s when the Brookfield Fire Department answered the call. Assistant Chief Herb Chaffee, firefighter Phillip Chaffee, and firefighter Cayla Hurley quickly devised a plan. Phillip climbed down a ladder into the well, carefully securing Fergie with a strap while Hurley and the assistant chief stood above, guiding and pulling as Phillip pushed from below.

It was a moment of teamwork and calm under pressure, the kind of quiet heroism first responders perform every day. For the Casuccis, though, it was deeply personal. Hurley, who also cares for the family’s pets when they travel, was a familiar face to Fergie. Even in his frightening predicament, the puppy wagged his tail in recognition when he saw her.

Thanks to the swift action of the Brookfield Fire Department, Fergie emerged shaken but unharmed, with no lasting injuries. The well has since been covered, but the Casuccis will never forget the day their puppy was saved by three dedicated first responders who treated him as family.

For their bravery, compassion, and quick thinking, Assistant Chief Herb Chaffee, firefighter Phillip Chaffee, and firefighter Cayla Hurley are being honored with the 2025 Juno Hero Award.