Westport's annual Dog Festival returned to Winslow Park on Sunday and drew an estimated 2,500 visitors and more than 700 dogs. There was every kind of dog imaginable and they and their humans enjoyed a variety of activities including contests, vendors who offered everything for the well cared for canine, the very popular obstacle course and a spectator favorite every year, the Westport Police K9 Unit demonstration.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Spectators cheer on their favorites to help the judges select the winner of the Best Lap Dog over 50 pounds contest.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

These were the 4 semi-finalists in the Best Lap Dog contest, with the winner, a white Samoyed being chosen after several calls for applause. Judge Jeff Weiser gave the young winner his certificate for gifts, (below left.)

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Doggie athletes line up for a chance to win prizes for fastest run through the obstacle course.

One of the competitors could not wait his turn and leaped onto the course, racing the other dog for the chance to grab the lure (above right).

The obstacle course has been downsized this year with only two jumps on the course but dogs and owners had a great time competing anyway.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com **Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.**

Among the exhibitors was the CT Humane Society which was promoting their new state of the art shelter currently under construction on Rt. 7 in Wilton which will replace the Post Road East shelter. The organization’s Kayleigh Shettleworth was eager to share the details with WestportLocalPress, saying, “Animal sheltering and care is about to get very exciting. This time next year, the Connecticut Humane Society will be opening its doors to the brand new, 14,581-square-foot Animal Resource Center on 863 Danbury Road in Wilton. Providing adoption services and all the resources a pet needs to stay with its family including a low-fee veterinary clinic open to the public, Pet Food Pantry, and humane education opportunities, this facility will be innovative and life changing. The resource center will replace the 75-year-old shelter in Westport, joining Newington and Waterford as CHS' three locations throughout the state.”

For more information visit CThumane.org/Wilton or contact Kayleigh Shettleworth at kshettleworth@cthumane.org or call 860-594-4502 ext. 6307

Spectators gather to Watch the Westport Police Department K9 Unit demonstration. Long-time vendor, Westport's Earth Animal donated a portion of their sales to the Westport Police Department K-9 Unit which helps them pay for training and even bullet/knife resistant vests for their K-9's. The K9 unit put on two demonstrations of drug detection, evidence location and behavior commands.

Corporal Jimmy Loomer (left) hosted the K9 Unit demonstration describing the activities of the unit and their K9 officers. K9 Onyx searches a patrol car for drugs which were hidden in the vehicle. Corporal Smith demonstrates an apprehension effectuated by K9 Atlas who poses with partner Corporal Dave Scinto (right). Atlas has served for 8 years with Scinto and will be retiring this year to enjoy lots of playtime and some well earned time off.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Spectators watched eagerly as the officers put their K9 partners through their paces. Kids were especially interested and asked Corporal Loomer several questions about the program. Below, K9 Onyx diligently searches for drugs and is rewarded by Smith with his favorite toy, which is part of his training program. Below right, Scinto encourages Atlas to release Corporal Smith. German Shepherds have a bit force of over 200 pounds per square inch (psi) which Smith can definitely attest to.