Sixth Annual Dog Ownership Day to be Held at Cub Creek Park

By Allison Canter

Responsible dog owners everywhere will have an opportunity to share a day of events with their beloved pooches. Everything from a Halloween "Pup-kin" Hunt to a dog show will be featured.

The Sixth Annual Dog Ownership Day will be held at Hidden Oaks Dog Park at Cub Creek Park in Wilkesboro on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People and their pets are encouraged to wear costumes; however all dogs must be on a leash throughout the day. The event is sponsored by the Humane Society of Wilkes.

Activities will include a dog show, Halloween "Pup-kin" Hunt, sale of collars, leashes and pet toys, raffles for pet items, prizes, giveaways and much more. Exhibits, activities and dog show registration opens at 10 a.m., and an obedience and agility demonstration will take place at 10 a.m.

"The Halloween Pup-kin Hunt is similar to an Easter Egg Hunt, but for your dog," said Arlene McGrane, a coordinator for the Dog Day event. "Last year, this was one of the favorite events for people and dogs. The dogs hunt and sniff for small plastic pumpkins that are filled with dog treats and prizes."

A Rabies Clinic will be offered from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The cost will be $7 per pet for a rabies vaccine. According to McGrane, cats are welcome too, but it is recommended that they be brought in a secure carrier. She said those attending will also have the opportunity to get their pet microchipped for only $25 per animal.

The Fun Dog Show will get underway at noon and run until 2 p.m. Eighteen different classes are planned, including Best Costume, Best Tail Wagger, Shortest Legs, Most Wrinkled, Best Trick, Curliest Coat, Most Mixed Mutt, Longest Hair, Longest Dog, Best Kisser, Tallest Dog, Most Colorful Naturally, Loudest Dog, Best People/Dog Look Alike, Highest Jumper, Longest Ears, Longest Tail and Best Matching Costumes. The cost to enter is $3 per class. "We invite all the winners from last year to come and defend their title," said McGrane.

Also planned for the day is a visit with Shane Cleary and Eddi from the North Wilkesboro Police K-9 unit and pet photos. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the show.

Humane Society of Wilkes is a non-profit, all volunteer organization. All proceeds from the event will support the low cost spay/neuter program, pay for vet costs for foster pets and fund humane education programs including Kind New subscriptions to all kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms in Wilkes County. The Humane Society of Wilkes does not have its own shelter. A few of the volunteers foster animals, keeping them in their homes until they are adopted. The volunteers work closely with the personnel at the Wilkes County Animal Shelter to help get pets adopted.

If you are ready to adopt, click to www.humanesocietyofwilkes.org. The website is updated weekly.

For more information about the Dog Day event or the Humane Society of Wilkes, call (336) 838-9588.