Dog Daze was bigger and better despite the heat
Isabelle Babcock and her dog Sky take a rest out of the heat.
The Wayne County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center and Give Pets a Chance hosted the second annual Dog Daze at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
The event had dog-centered events, family fun, and dog-care information and services. All proceeds benefited the efforts of the dog shelter and the local nonprofit to provide medical aid for dogs in need of veterinary medical care.
“It’s really just started to take off,” said Shannon Walsh of Mairs Veterinary, the chief organizer of the event. “We partnered with the dog shelter this year to make it a bigger, better event, and I think we are doing that.”
The event grew in nearly every measure from last year with more participants, guests, service providers and vendors, according to Walsh.
“I think the only thing slowing us down the least little bit this afternoon has been the heat,” said Katelyn Lehman, Wayne County dog warden and director of the Wayne County Dog Shelter.
Temperatures in the afternoon reached into the 90s.
Pet owners — individuals and families — received a doggie bag filled with samples and treats at the entrance. Local veterinarians, vendors and the city donated the contents.
There were countless options from there.
Pet owners could enter their dogs in a number of doggy games and trick contests including an obstacle course and more for dogs from Great Danes to Chihuahuas.
The Kids’ Korner featured face painting, carnival games and a bounce house. One booth featured a doggy-kissing booth for children.
Grant Miller, age 4, took his turn at the booth. Parents Zach and Kelly Miller said they came without their dog, Kumba.
“She’s a 10-year-old Yellow Lab, and she hates the heat,” Kelly Miller said.
A dunking booth featured several local public servants, and Sgt. Dave Miller of the Rittman K9 division performed a demonstration including a bite-suit.
Anna Klinger of College Hills Honda provided face painting. One of her subjects, Ryleigh Perrine, said she needed a touch-up because her face melted from the heat.
No Pawz Left Behind of Ashland County provided information about its efforts to secure more volunteers at the Ashland County Dog Shelter, where they care for all the dogs’ medical expenses until they are adopted.
Another local nonprofit organization, Caring Therapy Canines, promoted therapy dog visits, education for adults and children about therapy dogs, and support for volunteers who have certified therapy dogs.
Prickly Paws Acupuncture operates out of North Ridgeville but provides services by house call for acupuncture, essential oils therapy and Reiki.
Nathan Quinn operates Quinn’s Dog Running, which provides jogging and exercise for dogs around the Wooster area.
Quinn said he saw these services being offered in other cities, so he brought the concept to Wooster.
“Many of my clients are either busy professional people or maybe elderly folks who have a hard time always getting out with their pet,” Quinn said.
Linda Sims lives in the Cleveland area but visited Dog Daze to sell Amish-crafted leashes. “I’ve already sold more than twice what I did last year,” she said.
“We’ve had a lot more business this year than we did last year,” Michelle Hutchinson said of her homemade doggie treats.
Local vendors Liberty Studios and Pet Valu also provided information about their services.
Unforgettable Tails by Custer-Glenn Funeral Home offers pet cremation and memories.
Several organizations providing free information and services included Wooster 4-H, which had educational coloring pages for children and information about its projects.
But Sydney Hamer, age 6 of Wooster, had one complaint about the event: “Where are the cats?"