Just quoting info on drops with the Dog Booster as I see no info posted yet. In the case above the Booster would certainly resolve problems. Having it.. not only spares energy, but also coins to buy the Dead Trees. Certainly.. it costs gems though, but for the sacrifice, you save on time, energy and coins.
The rate of parchment drops amost doubles if you have the Booster:
Each Dead Tree will drop at least 1- 4 Parchments.
Chopping 10 Dead Trees yeilds 18/20 Parchments, compared to the 8-10 without.. considering each tree gives a drop, which is not so.
I read earlier on that one of the prizes of the goals was the Baby form of the Dog.. so those like me who like to have animals in pairs was reason enough to spend gems.
Usually, but not guranteed, Boosters will be offered at a lower price towards the end of the Event, but it's however comfortable and less stressful chopping having it 'during' the event, for all the drops.
It certainly does not help in the 'waiting on Ivy' but does save energy/coins.. in all the other drops.