Woofstock: It’s groovy and pet-friendly

Dogs take flight at the second annual Woofstock Fest and some will find new homes.

It’s the biggest fundraiser for the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Southwest Michigan and it takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 17 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site in downtown Kalamazoo. Admission is $5.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in ’60s attire in keeping with the festival’s theme. Dogs are welcome to attend.

Those flying dogs are in the dog-jumping competition, known as Ultimate Air Dogs, throughout the day. There will be puppy races and a contest to see which kids look the most like their dogs. Agility demonstrations, grooming demonstrations and stupid pet tricks are all part of the fun.

So are pet adoption opportunities, micro-chipping and toenail clipping.

“Your dog wants to go!” says Alexandra Howells, event coordinator.

To keep dogs from overheating in the summer sun there will be four canine oasis, a kiddie pool with water, staffed by volunteers from area rescue groups who will make sure the pools stay full, is changed regularly and is clean. There will be licensed vet techs on site for the dogs and EMS personnel for two-legged patrons, says Cathy Cottrel, of the SPCA.

The SPCA hopes to raise $40,000 at the event. Funds raised go to benefit the homeless dogs and cats rescued from regional pound facilities. Since May 2002, the SPCA has saved more than 9,200 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Animals receive medical attention, vaccinations, love and care, while they wait for a loving home. The SPCA is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for the forgotten pets in Southwest Michigan pounds.

Woofstock is made possible through the support of its title sponsor Pfizer, major sponsor United Kennel Club, and 15 other sponsors.
 
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Alexandra Howells, SPCA