Who let the dogs out? Last Saturday, Lee County Humane Society hosted its 10th annual "Woofstock," attracting canines and canine lovers from all over the Auburn/Opelika area.
Woofstock took place at Kiesel Park and included food, live entertainment, contests and plenty of good family fun. About 1,500 people attended the five-hour event.
"It is a great program for the whole community," said Amanda Kaspar, who brought her weimaraner and Pyrenees/German shepherd mix out for the day. "People without dogs come, so the little kids get to play with dogs, and they have the samples for all the dogs to try out, and it's good socializing."
Kaspar was just one of many who took advantage of the new attraction at Woofstock, the Microchip and Rabies Clinic.
Stacee Peer, LCHS staff member, said the clinic was an important feature of the event.
"If a pet is microchipped, and then they for some reason get out or get picked up by a patrol, if they have a microchip, that's the fastest way that we can have them returned to their owner, besides a tag with a number on it," Peer said.
Woofstock is a great fundraiser for the Humane Society. Many vendors at the event paid a $100 vendor fee, while other sponsors donated $500 or $1,000 to support LCHS.
"Our biggest goal is just to raise money for the Humane Society," said Monica Hayes, LCHS staff member. "I think a lot of the money is going to our spay and neuter facility that we're going to be building."
People who attended the event could help support the Humane Society by purchasing food, entering their pets in the contests or bidding at the silent auction.
"Last year we raised over $5,500, and so we're hoping to get that much and more this year," Peer said.
Delta Zeta sorority had a considerable presence at Woofstock.
"It's our new member philanthropy," said Grace Glover, freshman in liberal arts. The entire pledge class of the sorority volunteered for the event.
Delta Zeta provided volunteers for the event and set up a table advertising another event they will be having to support the Humane Society.
"My experience as a volunteer today was very therapeutic because I got to pet a lot of dogs," said Kate Iampietro, freshman in environmental engineering. "It was really fun."
Dogs, of course, were the main focus of the day.
Throughout the park were small plastic pools for dogs to drink from, and many vendors offered free samples of dog treats and toys.
LCHS had set up an adoption booth.
Three dogs from the Humane Society were on location, and those interested were able to come by and find out more about them.
"The ones that are up for adoption are really well-mannered and are looking for a good home, and they always turn out to be good dogs," said Jordyn Williams, LCHS staff member.
The Humane Society has about 50 to 75 dogs on average at the Lee County location, Williams said. These include dogs and puppies that are up for adoption, as well as stray dogs.
"We try to typically have them adopted, or if that's not working out, then do a foster home within two months," Peer said.
Woofstock also included a children's area, with inflatables, live music from Spicer's Garage Band Camp and demonstrations by the AL-TF1 Urban Search and Rescue Canine Team.
"I think we've had a really good year, and I'm just excited about how it's all come together," Peer said. "I hope that we've raised a good bit of money for the animals at the shelter."
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