The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

DogFest promotes responsible ownership

Photos: 2009 DogFest

Musical to feature heart, drama of Clooney’s life
2/11/12
Protecting your child from sexual abuse
2/11/12
‘Old person’ gets hope from young woman
2/11/12
5 ways to get party-ready for the Oscars
2/11/12
Ditching a friend, untying a bond
2/11/12
> More lifestyle headlines

Indy, a border collie, catches a Frisbee in his mouth during a competition at the 2009 DogFest at Voice of America Park in West Chester Twp. on Saturday, June 13.

Contributed photo by Jessica Uttinger Indy, a border collie, catches a Frisbee in his mouth during a competition at the 2009 DogFest at Voice of America Park in West Chester Twp. on Saturday, June 13.

By Linda Ebbing, Staff Writer Updated 11:08 AM Sunday, June 14, 2009

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Everyone should have a dog, after all they are “man’s best friend,” said Melissa Gregory.

The Liberty Twp. resident, her family and their three dogs on Saturday, June 13, were on hand at the PAWS DogFest.

“It’s a good chance to look at the different breeds,” Gregory said. “And to see what the booths have to offer.”

Another big reason they visit DogFest, she said, is to socialize their dogs, a Chihuahua, a puggle (a cross between a pug and a beagle) and a boxer.

Organizers are hoping to draw more than 15,000 visitors and their canine friends to the event, which continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, June 14, at the Voice of America Park.

More than 100 booths are scheduled and will offer entertainment, demonstrations, contests and food for dogs and their owners.

Established in 1999, the event is hosted by the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, a no-kill, nonprofit animal shelter in Middletown, which houses dogs and cats until they are adopted.

DogFest is especially important this year, coordinator Mandy Johnson said, because of the economic situation.

“A lot of dogs are being abandoned and this event gets the word out” about the existence of animal shelters and rescues in the greater Cincinnati area that will take in animals until homes can be found for them.

“When a dog is adopted out, another one comes in, so technically when you adopt one you are saving two lives,” Johnson said.

PAWS also has information about what comes with adopting a pet.

Some of those responsibilities, said eight-year-old Danielle Gregory include “taking it outside, giving it exercise and feeding it food and water.”

For information about PAWS, visit www.pawsadoptioncenter.org or call (513) 422-7297.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.

Share this article