Westport Dog Festival Celebrates All Things Canine
One of The Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce premier events drew well over 2,000 humans and more than 800 dogs of every shape, size and pedigree (or not) to Winslow Park on Sunday. Sketchy weather in the morning caused some concern however the clouds and gloom turned to sunny skies which was very welcome considering weather issues in the past have caused postponements. Visitors had much to see and enjoy with over 60 vendors offering all things on the contemporary dog's wish (or must have) list. Multiple adoption and animal rescue organizations including Adopt-A-Dog, Lucky Dog Rescue and SNARR helped match potential dog adopters with their new best friends.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The various contest winners included Best Dressed- Zsa Zsa, Best Barker- Odin, Best Kisser- Peppa and Best Lap Dog (really?) over 50 pounds was won by a 90 pound retriever named Tucker. Double honors went to Frankie who was chosen Best Tail Wagger and also Best Trick.
The Dog Lovers Days Lure Course returned to the festival again this year offering dogs, and sometimes their owners a chance to catch a lure which runs at high speed on a wire which most dogs find irresistible and which runs through a path with obstacles the competitors must navigate. The winner with the best time was Zelo who was rewarded for his efforts with a year's supply of dog food.
Felines were not forgotten. T.A.I.L.S., The Alliance In Limiting Strays (tailsct.org) the Westport based Cat Rescue organization also had a strong presence. One of the NY metro area's premier rescue operations, the North Shore Animal League, based in Long Island, NY provided their Mobile Unit, a custom built extended van which holds two dozen or more cats to TAILS to help in their mission to adopt the many stray cats and kittens found in our area and which they currently have housed with their group of volunteers. North Shore helps support TAILS by generously providing this vehicle at no charge to TAILS for the festival as well as their monthly adoption events held each month at Petco, Post Road Westport.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.