Going to the dogs
By Kay M Roth
The stormy weather predicted had not yet arrived when dogs and their owners gathered at the dog park in downtown Corvallis on Saturday morning. It was Dogtoberfest and dogs ruled the day.
With their humans talking among themselves, the dogs, from a Great Dane carrying a doll in a saddle to a Dachshund with an orange and black sweater, sniffed the air, looked at their neighbors and strained on a leash or two as they made new friends.
Dogtoberfest was created to celebrate dogs and the special relationships they have with their owners. Sponsored by the Heartland Humane Society, the event incorporated the popular PetWalk.
“It used to be held in June,” said Andrea Thornberry, the society’s Executive Director.
Dogtoberfest was held at First Street and Madison Avenue where food booths sold items such as popcorn and snow cones. Also on tap hot dogs and specially brewed beer from The Downward Dog and Block 15. “OSU KidSpirit has a great children’s area,” Thornberry said. The area included tumbling and face painting, with a photographer on hand to capture the moment.
Walkers and dogs registered under the small blue tent at the entrance to the dog park at Third Street and B Avenue. Included in those registering was Victoria Madry of Philomath. In her arms was Bojo, a two-year-old Schnauzer.
Bojo has only been part of Madry’s family for three months.
“His caregiver died,” she said. “We went to the hospital to see him and he was so worried about leaving his dog.” She gladly took Bojo in. “He loves our home.”
He wasn’t too sure about all of the other dogs waiting for the PetWalk to begin. The relatively small dog’s eyes darted about, watching the other dogs with some trepidation. Victoria stroked his black coat and gently cooed to him. Bojo seemed to calm down and was soon enjoying the walk along the waterfront.
The Dogtoberfest area, located next to the Corvallis Saturday Market, wasn’t exactly teaming with dogs but those who showed up to enjoy the morning’s event, were all having a good time. A line quickly formed at the dog washing station where owners were able to scrub and suds their pooches.
All proceeds from Dogtoberfest benefit the Heartland Humane Society. The organization was founded in 1966 by a group of concerned Benton County citizens whose desire to spread the message of caring for homeless animals and strengthening the bond between animals and humans.
Thornberry explained that the shelter has an open door policy, meaning no animals are turned away. While they mostly handle dogs and cats, Thornberry said the shelter accepts other animals as well. “Right now, we have a lot of rats.”
In addition to lost and found services, affordable adoptions and emergency housing, the shelter also offers programs designed to help people, including children, learn more about taking care of animals and being responsible pet owners.
“We have an after school program that meets every Wednesday at the shelter.”
The kids in the program volunteer for a variety of activities at the shelter. Heartland Humane Society also offers Camp Catnip in connection with Corvallis Parks and Rec.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes took part in Dogtoberfest. Over 35 people registered their dogs for the PetWalk. More than one entrant walked with several dogs, including Candace and Matt Reeves of Albany. The couple brought their three pugs to Corvallis to participate. The trio enjoyed seeing other dogs and clamored for the attention of anyone coming within their leashes' reach.
The walk went from the park along the waterfront sidewalks to Van Buren. Thornberry’s volunteers had the walk clearly marked with sidewalk chalk. Along the way, ‘Woof’, ‘I love dogs,’ ‘PetWalk’, and other words paved the way.
“We have kids at Van Buren with signs so people know to turn around and head back,” Thornberry said.
Over 60 volunteers, including the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Santiam and Corvallis, a youth group for St. Mary’s, and the Philomath High School Key Club, worked to make the event run smoothly. The following businesses and organizations partnered with Heartland to create the event: The Downward Dog & Cloud 9, Block 15, Animal Crackers, Stahlbush Island Farms, Stover, Evey, & Jackson, Sheila Smith Clicker Training, Phil's Transmissions, OSU KidSpirit, Oregon Pet Photography, and Youth Volunteer Corp - Corvallis Parks & Recreation.
At A Glance:
Heartland Humane Society
398 SW Twin Oaks Circle
(Behind Papa’s Pizza)
541-757-9000
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Noon-6pm
Saturdays, Sundays: Noon-5pm
Closed Mondays and Thursdays
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