Bark and Paws in Downtown Denison!!!

[Dwayne Wilder]

Denison 'Going to the Dogs'

Downtown Denison will be calling out the dogs on Saturday, Sept. 8.

Pet lovers are encouraged to bring their dogs for fun and games to Heritage Park at Main and Burnett streets from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. All dogs are required to register at this location; the first 100 will receive an event dog tag.

Included in the activities are the Wienie Dog Races; an obstacle course; and a retriever contest. The pet parade is certainly the most popular and colorful event. The theme is patriotic this year; and owners may even enter to win if they dress or look like their pets. Obedient dogs will get to follow their owner’s command while others will show off their trick or talent. Other contests will be held for the biggest, littlest, ugliest, oldest, and one who traveled farthest.

The pet parade will travel from Forest Park to Heritage Park at 11 a.m. Parade Grand Marshal will be Luke Robinson, founder of 2 Million Dogs and the Puppy Up Walks for dog cancer research. (The story of 2 Million Dogs began with a man and his two dogs - who walked from Austin to Boston - inspired by the loss of his Great Pyrenees to cancer. For more information on the story of Hudson, Murphy, and Luke Robinson, visit 2milliondogs.com.)

Dachshund races and other events requiring dogs be let off leashes will be held at Forest Park. Vendors will set up on Burnett Street next to Heritage Park. Santa and Mrs. Claws will be on hand for photographs with pets and owners--great Christmas cards. Vendors include a watercolor pet artist, chair massage, pet massage, veterinarian, groomers, trainers, pet adoption, and more.

The day’s events will begin at 10 a.m. with Wienie Dog Races at Forest Park. At 11:30, a ‘Blessing of the Pets’ will occur in Heritage Park. Another highlight of the day will be a Doghouse Auction presented by Salyer Auctions. The custom-created palaces are currently receiving their finishing touches and will be on display throughout the day. The houses and a professional dog training session will be auctioned off at 12:30 p.m. with proceeds set for the purchase of pet waste stations for Downtown Denison.

Event t-shirts and dog bandanas will be on sale throughout the day for $15 and $5, respectively. Dog registration will begin at 9 a.m. Registration is free, but those entering contests will be charged $1 per event and will be given a chance on door prizes for each $1 spent. Anyone can purchase $1 tickets for door prizes. Every dog must abide by leash laws and have proof of current rabies vaccinations.

The event is organized by the city of Denison’s Main Street Department and led by volunteers who love their dogs. The day of fun is made possible by Big Dog Little Dog, KTEN Television, a memorial for Max and Harley Waterloo, KXII Television and Hot Dickity Dog. For specific event times, more information or volunteer forms, visit www.downtowndenison.com and see current events; or call 903-464-4452.