Community Comes Together at Paws in the Park in Lemon Grove

The morning air was filled with excitement, wagging tails, and the delicious aroma of sourdough pizza as the Lemon Grove, San Diego community gathered for the Paws in the Park event—an energetic celebration of pets, people, and local businesses.

This pet-friendly event proved to be a huge success, drawing residents, animal lovers, and entrepreneurs from across San Diego. The park was bustling with activity as local businesses showcased their services, including dog groomers, doggy daycare providers, and even rescue organizations dedicated to finding forever homes for pets in need. As you can see below, Sherman, who is available for adoption via Passion for Pitties eating a “Pup Cup” from Rugers Rescue, a local San Diego Rescue. He loved this one of kind treat filled with whip cream and delicious fruit!

One of the highlights of the morning was the incredible sense of connection and community. Whether it was chatting with small business owners, learning about pet care options, or simply watching dogs enjoy the open space, the event offered something for everyone. Families strolled through the park with their Dogs (and Cats!), enjoying samples, giveaways, and live demonstrations from the local Lemon Grove police departments.

Vendors brought their A-game—offering everything from tasty pet treats to handmade goods. And yes, the sourdough pizza from The SourDough Shoppe was a hit with both humans and (we suspect) a few sneaky pups. They had pup sized pizzas available for Dogs! We had the honor of talking with Paws of Grace, a local San Diego business who offers specialized care and support for families who need hospice care and in-home pet euthanasia.

Events like Paws in the Park remind us of the power of community, especially when it’s centered around a shared love for animals. It was more than just a morning out—it was a celebration of the people and pets who make Lemon Grove such a vibrant place to live. You can view more from the Paws at The Park event event on our Instagram Page.

We can’t wait to see what next year brings!

About the Author

Erika Veduccio is the Director of Culture and People at Dogs On The Run, bringing over 20 years of experience working with small businesses and community-driven initiatives. Known for her loyalty, kindness, and people-first mindset, Erika is passionate about building authentic connections—between individuals, local businesses, and the communities they serve. She believes that when people come together with purpose, stronger, more resilient networks are formed. Her work continues to reflect a deep commitment to collaboration, compassion, and creating meaningful impact at the local level.

Erika is holding the precious Lady Bird who is available for adoption through Frosted Faces.