The Auburn Department of Parks and Recreation is calling all dogs to "Bark in the Park" on Saturday, March 2 at Kiesel Park. Dog owners are welcome, too.
The Department of Parks and Recreation has gathered pet-friendly vendors from around the Auburn area to help pro- mote and celebrate responsible dog ownership.
"I love dogs dearly, and I oversee many of the activities that go on at the off-leash area of Kiesel Park," said Melissa Weldon, youth enrichment manager for the Auburn Parks and Recreation. "After meeting and talking with people, I realized that most people really love their dogs, and don't do all of the things they should for them because they don't have the information."
"Bark in the Park" will take place from 9 a.m.-noon and is free to anyone wanting to attend. Weldon said the only requirement is that all dogs are on a leash at the event.
Several local veterinary hospitals and clinics will be giving out information on various dog-related subjects, ranging from dog healthcare to behavioral issues, while other pet friendly vendors will be selling pet-related products and handing out coupons.
The day will begin with a fly ball demonstration by the Dixie Flyers from Birmingham at 9 a.m.
The Alabama Alliance Spay/Neuter Bus will also be on hand to give information on low-cost spaying and neutering, while Buddy Bruce from Opelika will be giving rabies shots for $10.
"That's a lot more affordable than people can get from their local veterinarian clinics," Weldon said.
Weldon said she believes the event will be a great place for student dog-owners to meet with local veterinarians if they do not already have one.
"I think the event is a great idea," said Tanya Schwab, a veterinary technician at Tiger Town Veterinary Hospital who has been involved with the event both years. "We had a big turn out last year and gave out a lot of information and had fun in the process. It is a win, win."
This year, Tiger Town Veterinary Hospital will be informing people all about dog- allergies at their booth.
"We will be talking about everything you can do to help your pet be allergy free," Schwab said.
Future dog owners are also invited to come see many of the dogs that the Lee County Humane Shelter, For Paws Rescue and the Lee County 4-H Dog Club has available and are hoping to be adopted.
"I would love to see the dogs that are looking for a forever home get adopted," Weldon said. "That would make for a great morning."
Rebekha Perry, director of For Paws Rescue, said they will have five or six adoptable dogs at the event and will be accepting adoption applications.
"It is a great opportunity to get our name out there and to try and raise money for the dogs and cats that we are trying to find homes for," Perry said.
Dog owners will also be able to receive information on micro-chipping from the Pet Vet Animal Hospital and have Karlene's K-9 Academy conduct a CGC Test on the four-legged friend. CGC testing is a 10-step test that requires the dog to do things such as accepting a friendly stranger and coming when called.
Pet Palace, Tractor Supply Company, Sike's Pet and Farm Supply, For Healthy Pets and Paula Davis Photography will also have booths at the event.
Weldon said they hope to double or triple the amount of people that attended last year.
"It's going to be a great day of all things dogs," Weldon said.
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