Have fun and learn how to be a good dog owner
Beaver County group hosts Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Fleet-footed hounds will chase white “bunnies” through a Beaver County park. Agile dogs of many breeds will jump hurdles and scoot through tunnels while others will do tricks. Some will demonstrate their ability to obey commands.
Other dogs and their owners can watch and learn from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. next Saturday at Shelter 6 in Brady’s Run Park, 121 Bradys Run Road, Fallston (15010). The AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, a free event, is hosted by the Beaver County Kennel Club.
Dogs on leashes are invited to attend and try out the canine activities. The goal of the day “is to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationship with their pets,” said Maurene Baum, the kennel club’s secretary.
From 1-3 p.m. dogs nails will be trimmed for $10, rabies shots are $12 (bring tags or paperwork from prior vaccinations) and microchips are $16.
Club members will offer grooming and other demonstrations: learn how to clip or grind your dog’s nails, clean ears, brush teeth, and comb and brush coats.
Owners can see if their dogs have what it takes to earn a Canine Good Citizen title from the American Kennel Club. An evaluator will give the title to dogs that get a passing grade. The fee for practice runs is $5, and the test costs $10.
Instead of live rabbits, sight hounds will be chasing white garbage bags in a sport known as lure coursing. Meredith Wille of Economy and her Pharaoh hounds, Roseanna and Kattan, will do demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ping Pirrung of Butler will bring a whippet or two.
Lure coursing is a competitive sport for greyhounds and other breeds that hunt prey using their eyes rather than their noses. Pharaoh hounds, one of the oldest dog
Dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 and under. The spaghetti sauce is vegan marinara. Dinner includes a salad, roll, dessert and drinks. There are vegan and gluten-free options for dessert. The event will include a bake sale and auctions.
Tickets can be purchased at www.homelesscat.org or at the door.
Dog festival
Bring your dog to Lucky’s fifth annual South Side Dog Festival from noon-5 p.m. May 21 at 24th and Carson streets.
The free block party goes on rain or shine with canine contests, face painting, carnival games, vendors and visits from rescue dogs.
“Top Dog” sponsor is Petagogy pet stores in Shadyside and Greensburg. Other sponsors are Double Wide Grill, Humane Animal Rescue, SouthSide Works