With the smell of barbeque wafting through the air on, owners and their pets walked along East Livingston Road in Highland on Sept. 10 and 11, enjoying the fun atmosphere that is Highland HeyDays.

With a number of events and fundraisers, this event, which has been running for five years now, aids the Highland community and its members in a number of ways.

“This event seems to break down barriers between people and their love for animals,” explained Suzanne Geliske, a HeyDay participant.

The first day of events began with a 5K run which onlookers gazed on upon as the racers ran fervently. All donations were used to help the Highland Conservancy and the Aicardi Foundation.

Founded in 1993, the Aicardi Foundation was created to provide financial support to families dealing with the rare Aicardi syndrome.

With an unusually high mortality rate, the Aicardi syndrome is characterized by the absence of the corpus callosum in the brain. The syndrome, prominently found in infant females around the age of five months, causes daily seizures that rank from minor to extremely dangerous.

Deb and Mike Maher, owners of Highland Feed, helped to raise funds for the Aicardi Foundation by providing food, such as hot dogs and hamburgers.

The cause hits deep with the Mahers since their own niece suffers from the illness.

The following day included an exceptionally special tribute for Sept. 11

With each new tale, the crowds of tearful soldiers and community members listened in on this special event with further intensity.

“It helps us to realize the impact 9-11 had on everyone,” said Janice Nyland, an employee at the Salvation Army branch located in Highland, “even our dogs.”

This message hit home with countless individuals as the street began to fill with pets and their owners. One company, the Animal Emergency Center, helps ill or injured animals 24/7.

“Leaving no animal unaided,” said employee Sharon Wassman, “is their main priority.”

From dealing with minor injuries such as bone fractures or illnesses, the Animal Emergency Center pledges to save as many lives as they can.

Suzanne Geliske, a devoted member and dog trainer for the group, explained that they train their dogs from the early pup stages, until they are ready to be placed with a family.

When placed with a family, these assistance dogs help aid those with disabilities.

“It gives both the dog and the person a sense of companion,” explained Geliske as she petted Flynn, her golden retriever pup in training. “Their world just opens up.”

Pet assistance organizations were not merely limited to the more traditional animals! At the event, to aid our feathered friends, was the Rainbow Feathers Bird Club and Rescue.

Bird club member Steve Plafchan said the group takes in abandoned and brutalized birds and put them with proper owners.

“By helping a person find their bird, and likewise, the bird find their person, it creates a happiness so profound,” Plafchan added.

Walking further down the street, visitors came to a raffle ticket center provided by Community Sharing. All money towards the raffle benefited the organization, which feeds approximately 1,000 people per day, said employee Patty Kutil.

Hurriedly, crowds gathered along the street sides as the fun-activities for the day were unleashed. Most memorable was the Pet-A-PALooza street fair that caused cheers from all around.

Clapping sounded through the street as riders strode atop their horses and dogs of a large variety of breeds performed tricks along side them.

“It’s so cool,” said 9-year old Maya Flowers, a visitor to the event, “I wish this was every weekend!”