WagFest draws a big crowd on a sunny Sunday
Published 4:27 pm Monday, June 27, 2011
While an estimated 250 to 300 people attended Sunday’s annual WagFest at sunny Battle Point Park, the four-legged pets drew most of the attention.
Dogs and their owners were kept busy with many events, including several demonstrations, a dog parade around the park’s perimeter and contests such as pet-owner lookalike, waggiest tail, the coolest costume and the always popular small dog races.
About 15 dogs were in the race competition won by Archie, a 7-month-old mini-Australian shepherd owned by Catherine and Wayne Purves.
The celebratory event, which is put on by PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap, also included a guest appearance by Ajax, a member of the Kitsap County K-9 Unit, and the Iditarod sled dogs of Port Gamble’s Laura Daugereau – the first Washington woman to complete the 1,100-mile Alaska race.
PAWS executive director Mark Hufford said there were about 25 booths offering a variety of services, including massages and treats to keep the dogs relaxed and contented.
As usual, Hufford said, there were no dog fights as the leashed canines, their owners and other dog lovers were well-mannered throughout the three-hour event that focuses on PAWs’ educational mission.
