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Dog Lovers Converge at Doggie Palooza
Is that a team of horses entering the building? Wait no, it's a pair of majestic Great Danes. Yikes, the Abominable Snowman is alive and heading this way! Whoops, oh hello you gentle giant Great Pyrenees. Oh my gosh, watch out for the killer bees! Nope, wrong again, it’s just some frisky Corgies in bumblebee costumes. My, what a cute baby you have in that stroller. Hang on, that kid looks nothing like you, but it sure is a darling Yorkie. Maybe next time I should bring my glasses.
This year’s Doggie Palooza held at the World Forestry Center was truly a celebration of all things Dog! Owners and their well-behaved canines, many dressed up in their best wear or in costume garb, were welcomed into the center with open arms for this special one day only.
Wild Child Pet Fashions started off the day by showing off rescue dogs on the runway with their ready-to-wear fall looks including jackets, dresses, jewelry, harnesses and more! The Pooch Parade was an opportunity for furry contestants to be judged in three categories, Best Fall Fashion, Pet Owner Look-A-Like, and Best Pet Trick. This writer didn't get the names of all the winners, but know fabulous prizes were given and everyone who watched was quite entertained!
Dr. Jason Nicholas, BVetMed of The Preventive Vet gave a presentation on how common pet emergencies are, how expensive and debilitating they can often be, and how often they are easily preventable by (1) always using a leash, (2) being careful with medications (which ones you administer, how you store them, etc), (3) being sure to hang all bags, purses, diaper bags, backpacks, etc, (4) securing trash cans, and (5) not feeding pets table scraps & 'people food'.
Throughout the day, SPOT magazine was on the lookout for a new cover model. Photographer David Childs was busy snapping candid photos of canine visitors. Entry fees will go to a charity to be decided by Spot. The winner is still to be announced.
The vendors were all dog-themed, as you might expect. Nevertheless, they were quite varied in offerings of products or services, ranging from those selling dog designer outfits and accessories (be-jeweled bandannas and dog backpacks) to an animal communicator and energy healer, to an invisible fence company and Oregon’s only pet funeral home and crematory. Lots of pet food and supply vendors were there as well and offered many free samples, including a peanut butter treat that I saw being given to a Dachshund who did a little wiggle dance in happiness!
The Oregon Spay & Neuter Fund’s dedicated volunteers were there to spread the word of all the resources available to help remove the barriers of getting animals fixed and help reduce overpopulation. Other non-profits such as Oregon Dog Rescue, Animal Aid and Deaf Dogs of Oregon also had tables to help spread the word of the good things they all do to help many animals each year. PAW Team, a provider of well-pet care to animals living with homeless or very low-income guardians, held a supply drive. Paw Team is also the recipient of the door donations (each year a different non-profit is selected to receive same; last year OSNF was so blessed).
Overall, the day was a success… it is hard not to smile when you look up to and see a passel of pugs or a contingent of Corgis, the Rottie in a tutu, a Great Pyrenees jester and a couple of German Shepherd ladybugs parading on by.
