WENATCHEE — If you wanted proof that Wenatchee is dog-friendly, you needn’t look farther than Saturday’s Dog Days of Summer.
After voting in its own doggie mayor two years ago, Wenatchee is now catering to its canine population with an event designed just for dogs — and their people — at the Town Toyota Center.
“This is not one of those Westminster Dog Shows,” said Jennifer Bushong, vice president of marketing at the Toyota Center.
It certainly wasn’t, with events ranging from the Mutt Strut and Paw-Geant to Paw Tricks and a Lick-Up Bar.
Bushong and Linda Haglund, executive director of the Wenatchee Downtown Association, came up with the idea over coffee, and ran with it.
Canines started the day with Doggie ‘N Me Yoga, featuring Mission Movement’s Kristen Acesta offering yoga stretches and massage for dogs.
There were also dog obedience and agility trainings, a demonstration of show handling, and a display of different dog breeds to meet the various needs of the people population, all sponsored by the Wenatchee Kennel Club.
Kids had their fun too, with a jumpy castle, photo booth and face painting.
The Chelan County PUD was there to get the word out about keeping our trails dog-friendly by adhering to safety rules, and the Cascade Veterinary Clinic’s booth gave kids a chance to play the role of a veterinarian.
Admission was free, although some booths required tickets, purchased for $1 each.
Bushong said they had an excellent turnout for a first-time event — about 1,000 dogs of all sizes and breeds. “It was nice to be able to have something for our four-legged friends here at the Town Toyota Center,” she said.
