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Town is going to the dogs

By Staff | Aug 16, 2013

This weekend marks the first of what organizers hope will become the annual Shepehrdstown DogFest weekend.

The event, sponsored by Food Lion, the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Mud Dogs of Shepherdstown, PETCO, the Shepherdstown Business Association and the Shepherdstown Visitors Center, will offer activities both days of the weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The love of dogs in the community is apparent at every event hosted within the town limits where dogs and their owners are standard participants in each parade. Dogs can be seen walking their owners morning and evening throughout the town and can be found making friends at stops downtown.

To further incorporate the love of the canine in Shepherdstown and to offer another event unique to the town, the sponsors and organizers came up with the DogFest. The Fest will include a wide variety of activities for dogs, their owners, and dog lovers, as well as activities that everybody can enjoy.

All activities will be free and everyone will be welcome

DogFest will get started with an event that everyone can enter: a Dog Day 5K race sponsored by the Mud Dogs of Shepherdstown. According to member Mike Chalmers, the 5K will be fun for everyone while offering an excuse to get out and exercise.

Other activities for everyone will include a hot-dog eating contest, children’s activities and music.

Activities specifically for dogs and their owners will include a blessing of the dogs; dog shows and presentations, exhibits and demonstrations by trainers, rescue organizations and others.

In particular, nationally known trainer and author Pat Miller, who operates the Peaceable Paws Dog and Puppy Training Center in nearby Maryland, will be on hand Saturday to offer training advice.

Through the weekend, many restaurants will offer dog-friendly sidewalk dining. In addition, many shops and restaurants will be offering special dog-themed items for sale.

A complete schedule of the weekend’s activities can be found in today’s edition of The Chronicle.

For more information, contact the Center’s Director, Jan Hafer, at 304-876-2786 or info@shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com.