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Chester & Pearl Handmade Cat Toys

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Chester & Pearl Handmade Cat Toys are returning to Spring Fling!! Traci created Chester & Pearl Handmade Cat toys when after 10 years in a tech career, she decided she needed a change of pace. Since her beginning of making cat beds in her garage, she's sewn thousands of cat toys and designed her own fabric patterns. Traci understands the drive cats have to hunt and has dedicated her business to fulfilling that need for cats. Her cat toys also make owners smile as the cat-themed products are absolutely adorable.


"Our Mission: It is my dream to not only create toys your cat will love, but to give back to wonderful cat rescues that work tirelessly to save the tiny and helpless."

$9,000 and counting have been raised for cat rescues through donations, sales, and fundraisers.



Make sure to check out her website to see even more of what Chester and Pearl have to offer!

Follow them on Facebook or Instagram and keep up to date with new cat toy releases!


Be sure to visit Chester & Pearl Handmade Cat Toys at

Unleashed's 13th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser

Sunday, April 26, 2026

12-6 pm

Koka Booth Amphitheatre


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2026:


 
 
 

Binky and Bell - Helping Homeless Animals with Cartoon Art!


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We are so happy to welcome Binky and Bell back as a vendor at this year's Spring Fling! We are also excited to announce that the artist behind Binky & Bell has won our T-shirt design contest and will be featured on this year's Spring Fling Commemorative T-shirt!!

Get your shirt at Spring Fling or pre-order it here: https://givebutter.com/c/UnleashedsSpringFling2026

Thanks to our sponsors, 100% of the sales of the t-shirts will go to the rescue groups/non-profit organizations that will be at Spring Fling coming up on April 26th! Seriously, every penny, er, dollar, that you give us for a shirt, we will turn around and give straight to the non-profit organizations! It is a win-win-win: you get a super cool t-shirt designed by a local artist and the rescues get cash to support their missions!

Speaking of that local artist, Binky and Bell was founded in 2013 when Rick Gardner and Mark Bell met through a career transition networking group. The duo discovered how their passion for their hobbies, Rick for dogs and Mark for woodworking, could be used for good. Together, they collaborate to create original cartoon dog-and cat-themed art to support local animal shelters and rescues. They derived their business name, Binky & Bell from Rick's first dog, "Binky," and Mark's last name, "Bell!"


Binky and Bell's Founder Rick Gardner

Rick Gardner combines his artistic skill and fundraising knowledge to help homeless pets through Binky and Bell. He has completed three coloring books and one joke book and donated the profits to numerous local rescues and shelters. Rick's work has been featured in multiple exhibits, including:


  • The Visual Art Exchange WERD Art exhibit

  • A Place at the Table in downtown Raleigh

  • The Halle Arts Center in Apex

  • The Spotted Dog Café in Carrboro, Coffee and Crepes in Cary

  • Holly Springs Cultural Arts Center

  • The North Carolina Craft Center in Carrboro.


Rick's artwork influences include Roy Lichtenstein, James Thurber, Charles Shultz, and numerous modern-day graphic artists.

" My name is Rick Gardner, my brand is Binky and Bell, a brand dedicated to original, whimsical art inspired by the joyful relationships between pets and people. Through my colorful and playful designs of dogs (and cats too!), I explore themes of love, humor, and happiness."

Mark's influences include his background growing up in the suburbs of Detroit and Boston, as well as his professional experiences in Germany and Switzerland.


They both share a passion to help homeless animals.


"Hundreds of homeless dogs and cats are put down every day at shelters through no fault of their own.
We use the sales of our cartoon dog art to provide financial support to local rescues and shelters to help get these pets healthy and adoptable. Through our art, we try to capture the joy and happiness pets bring to us.

In cooperation with local rescues, shelters and national organizations, our big goal is to eliminate kill shelters and find forever homes for these homeless pets."

Each month they feature a different rescue to support with their sales and this month it is a group that will also be at Spring Fling: Love Mutts Rescue!


They also work with many other organizations that are also a part of Spring Fling, including: Wake County Animal Center, Second Chance Pet Adoptions, The Maggie Society, Freedom Ride Rescue, and more!


Take a look at their website to see the complete list and more!


Also, follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with their new designs!!



Stop by their booth at Spring Fling and browse through cartoon dog and cat art on shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, bags, books, magnets, and signs! And don't forget your Spring Fling t-shirt- online or at the Spring Fling T-shirt Table!


Plus, there's one more announcement! Rick actually submitted 2 designs into the t-shirt contest, and not only did one win, but the other was a runner-up! All of the runner-up designs will be featured in a NEW-THIS-YEAR coloring contest! Find coloring sheets featuring Rick's design and our other runners-up at our Kid Zone (by the bounce houses) and the seating area in front of the main stage. Take them home, add some color, and drop them off at any Unleashed location by 5/5 to enter to win! No limit on entries!


Visit Binky and Bell at

Unleashed's 13th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser

Sunday, April 26, 2026

12-6 pm

Koka Booth Amphitheatre


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2026:

 
 
 

Brad Wilser Pet Photography- Photographing Adventurous Dogs in the Carolinas

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Another one of our amazing COMMUNITY SPONSORS is Brad Wilser Pet Photography! Brad Wilser is joining Spring Fling for the first-time on the vendor/sponsor side but has attended Spring Fling before on the browsing/shopping side! We welcome him to this side and thank him for his sponsorship this year!


Brad Wilser Photography specializes in natural, emotive portraits that capture the connection between pets and their people. Serving families who want to celebrate their furry friends and the joy they bring to our lives.


Brad's Bio


"I am a dog photographer based in Raleigh-Durham, NC. I photograph dogs and their people from the coast all the way up to the mountains! I have lived in North Carolina my entire life and I absolutely love this great State! I have spent a good bit of time exploring, whether it's my hometown of Cary, the Outer Banks, the Blue Ridge Mountains or somewhere in between!


After graduating from Appalachian State in 2013 I bought my first camera and have since been on an endless journey to take that perfect photo! To be honest, I probably never will, but that's okay because this journey has been amazing! It wouldn't be the same though without my adventure buddy Champ by my side. That crazy pittie has been with me since I decided to bring him home about 5 years ago. I took him in when nobody else wanted to deal with his insane amount of energy, and I have no regrets! He forced me to get outside when all I wanted to do was lay on the couch. He's also been a pretty good model for me as you will probably see scattered throughout this site. I feel the most alive when I'm out in nature and I love that I'm able to capture these beautiful images of Champ doing what he loves most. I would love to do the same for you and your furry family members. Let's go on an adventure together!"


"Whether you want an adventure centered around your dog, or you just want to include your pup in the family photos, I would love to capture those moments!"

But wait, there's more! Brad also specializes in all types of photography and videography too! He specializes in pet portraits, events, and weddings, and also has extensive experience in working with nonprofits to provide high-quality services that can be tailored to any requirements.


"Storytelling is my passion, and what better story to tell than that of true love!"

Some stunning pieces from Brad's pet portfolio:


Beyond a passion for photography, Brad loves spoiling and working with dogs (us too!). As an added bonus, Brad also has experience from working for a dog trainer for over four years!!


Looking for an adventure? Brad has two upcoming travel locations planned!

  • Catawba Falls: June 25th-28th

  • Moore Cove/Looking Glass Falls: July 14th-17th


Make sure to visit Photographer Brad Wilser Pet Photographer at Spring Fling!

Also, get all the details on how to book a session and check out more of his work on his website and socials: Facebook and Instagram!



Don't miss meeting Brad Wilser Pet Photography at

Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 12-6 pm

at Koka Booth Amphitheatre!!


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2026:


 
 
 
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