By Mary Jane Anderson

The big day is coming for the Twelfth Annual Dog Day at the Hollow in Woodbury from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The events will take place on May 7th to celebrate National Pet Week with your dog. Each year more and more events are scheduled for the dog owners and their wonderful pets.

Low Cost Rabies Clinic

Rabies is still a threat to your dog or cat. Wild animals as well as out pets are found positive for rabies throughout our neighboring towns. Rabies vaccine for pets is available in both 1-year dose and a 3-year dose. The 1-year dose is given to an animal under 1 year old or without proof of previous vaccination. With proof of previous vaccination, your dog or cat will be able to have a 3-year vaccination. The cost is $10.00 cash per animal. Collar tags and certificates of vaccination will be provided as required by law. All animals must be restrained on leashes and cats should be in carriers.

Obstacle/Agility Course

Each year more people participate with their dog as they are introduced to an Obstacle Course! The purpose of the course is to have fun and enjoy a different kind of activity with your dog. Any dog owner can easily do any of the obstacles with their dog. This is a fun event and all are winners. To give you a clue on what will be going in the obstacle course, at one test you and your dog will walk through a sea of tennis balls and your dog cannot pick up a ball! Another test, you and your dog will walk from one flag to another balancing an egg on a spoon. It is going to be a great time for you and your dog and you will learn something about your dog’s abilities. All dogs must be on leash and remain at the starting flag until you are directed to begin.

Fun Time Contest

The Fun Time contest has stiff competition for the tallest dog and the shortest dog event at the Hollow. There will be a parade of the Best Dressed dogs strutting their newly brushed coat to catch the eyes of the judges to be voted the Best Dressed Dog in Woodbury. All the dogs parade around in all kinds of costumes and everybody greatly enjoys the event. In fact, people talk about their costumes in advance of the big day!

And, of course, there will be dogs showing off their talents in the Best Trick Dog, the Best Dog Tail Wagger, Look Alikes of the owner and their dog, as will as new contests. So, sharpen up your dog and have fun with the other dogs and owners as you spend a few hours just going to the dogs!!

Canine Good Citizen

There will be a Canine Good Citizen Program for your dog to show everybody how well mannered he can be with a little encouragement by his owner. The tests are simple and easy for your dog to perform. Each year more and more dogs receive “Canine Good Citizen” awards and blue ribbons.

Lure Coursing

This is a wonderful attraction in the Hollow on Dog Day. Lure coursing is a sport as well as a fun activity for all dogs. There are certain breeds that were developed for hunting. Although hunting is not longer necessary for human survival, lure coursing still gives the dogs the excitement of the chase.

An artificial lure – a plastic bag – is tied to a string and pulled around a random course in an open field. Coursing is a great way to keep a dog in shape. And you will be surprised at the speed and agility of your dog. This event is very popular to all dog owners and their dogs of all shapes and sizes!

More And More And More

Along with Dog Days events, there will be various representatives of dog-related organizations like the FIDELCO Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. You will meet the dogs and learn about their training to help the blind people have more opportunities in the community. A State Trooper will demonstrate the working of a trained German shepherd who helps the trooper in his work. Under the Unusual Pet Exhibit you will see llamas which have become very popular pets. The Jr. Cadet Girl Scout Troop 4041 will have refreshments as you and your dog enjoy the fun-filled day.

The Park and Recreation Commission sponsor these events. The local veterinarians are participating in the program. National Pet Week – May 7 to 13 is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association, its Auxiliary, and the American Animal Hospital Association. So come and join us on Dog Day 2000 at the Hollow in Woodbury for a fun day with your special dog!