Aug. 9-10

DogFest hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. All activities are free. Most will be held on King Street, in front of the Town Hall, between German Street and Queen’s Alley, which will be closed to vehicle traffic. Details of some events, demonstrations and exhibitors may change. Prior to the DogFest weekend, check the Shepherdstown Visitor’s Center website at www.shepherdstown.info for the latest schedule information. If you have questions, contact Visitor’s Center Director Jan Hafer at 304-876-2786 or svc@shepherdstown.info.

During the weekend, the Visitors’ Center will have a booth on King Street to offer assistance and answer questions on site. There will be several cool-down areas for dogs and their owners. Businesses that have a paw decal will allow dogs on their premises. All dogs should be leashed and well behaved. Under no circumstance should anyone leave their dog in their vehicle offenders will be prosecuted.

DogFest Schedule of Activities

All activities on North King Street, in front of Town Hall unless otherwise noted

Saturday, Aug. 9

8:30-9:30 a.m. Local Dog Show registration

10 a.m.-4 p.m. DogFest exhibit area open

10-11:30 a.m. Dog Show. Any dog can enter. Pre-registration is encouraged; get registration forms at the Shepherdstown Visitors Center or on the Center’s website at www.shepherdstown.info. Prizes will be awarded for Cutest Dog, Sweetest Puppy, and Best Personality. Judges will include Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley and Shepherdstown Mayor Jim Auxer.

11:30 a.m. Blessing of the Dogs. By Rev. G.T. Schramm of Trinity Episcopal Church.

11:45 a.m. Sheep Dog demonstration by the Virginia Border Collie Association. See how these hard-working dogs herd sheep. (The first of three such demonstrations during the day; all will take place on Shepherd University’s West Campus and last about one-half hour?free Shuttle bus service will be available to and from the site for each demonstration.)

1 p.m. Sheep Dog demonstration

1:45 p.m. Dog Training Tips by Trainer Elizabeth Hostler, of Greensburg Bed & Biscuit.

2:30 p.m. Sheep Dog demonstration

3:15 p.m. Towpath the Wonder Pup. Burned and abandoned on the C&O canal near Shepherdstown, the little dog named Towpath has recovered and blossomed into an international ambassador for abused animals. Come meet the miracle pup and hear his heartwarming story.

3:30 p.m. Pawsitively Kip, Harper and Karin Dog Tricks. Dog trainer Karin Fellers will show what her dogs Kip and Harper can do. The dogs have been trained using only positive methods.

Sunday, Aug. 10

10 a.m-4 p.m. DogFest exhibit area open

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Look and Learn Parade of Rare Breeds of Dogs. Sponsored by the Shenandoah Veterinary Hospital to help educate the community, this event will showcase a wide variety of heritage dogs rarely seen outside official show rings. Dr. Joseph Ielapi, of the Hospital’s staff, will be Master of Ceremonies, describing the history and characteristics of each breed. .

1 p.m. Blessing of the Dogs

1:30 p.m. Pawsitively Kip, Harper and Karin Dog Tricks. Dog trainer Karin Fellers will show what her dogs Kip and Harper can do. The dogs have been trained using only positive methods.

2 p.m. Dog Training Tips by internationally acclaimed trainer, writer and consultant Pat Miller, of Peaceable Paws.

2:30 p.m. Towpath the Wonder Pup. Burned and abandoned on the C&O canal near Shepherdstown, the little dog named Towpath has since blossomed into an international ambassador for abused animals. Come meet the miracle pup and hear his heartwarming story.

3 p.m. Free family movie at Old Opera House on German Street: “The Adventure of Milo and Otis.”

DogFest Exhibitors

(All will be participating Saturday and Sunday on King Street unless otherwise noted)

Animal Advocates of West Virginia. An educational resource advocacy group.

Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County. Provides housing, care and adoptions for homeless animals in Jefferson and surrounding counties. Provides spay/neuter assistance (Sunday only).

Animal artist Joe Mayer. Will draw cartoons of you and your dog. Accepting charitable contributions.

Blue Mountain Home Pet Care. Veterinary practice that offers house calls for dogs and cats (Saturday only).

Blue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank. All canine volunteer blood bank based in Purcellville, Virginia. Learn how your dog can help other dogs by donating blood.

Briggs Animal Adoption Center. An adoption, spaying and medical center for dogs and cats (Sunday only).

Colonial Newfoundland Club. Promoting Newfoundland dog rescue and providing information on this breed’s care (Saturday only).

Diabetes Alert Dog Alliance. Learn about these specially trained service dogs that can sense and warn diabetic owners of dangerous fluctuations in blood-sugar levels. Holding fundraising raffle.

Dog groomer Karen Glennon. Will be offering dog manicures and face lifts; grooming tips and advice on tools and techniques.

Eddie’s Wheels. Will showcase the products it fabricates to assist disabled dogs and dogs in rehabilitation, including custom-made front- and rear-wheeled carts.

Greensburg Bed & Biscuit. Team of loving caregivers offer a full range of pet care services for dogs and cats, including boarding, grooming and training.

Greyhound Rescue. Dedicated to finding loving, forever homes for retired racing greyhounds. Will be offering pamphlets and information.

Mason-Dixon Kennel Club. Hagerstown-based American Kennel Club affiliate offers a wide variety of classes for dogs of all breeds and ages, including puppy training, obedience, rally, agility and flyball.

Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League. An all-volunteer organization that works to place unwanted Great Danes into loving homes. Also provides education and resources to owners of the breed (Sunday only).

Peaceable Paws Dog and Puppy Training. Pat Miller, an internationally acclaimed trainer, writer and consultant, offers dog and human-friendly dog training and behavior services, books and products.

Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Will be sponsoring a children’s “Story Walk” that will start at the Little House and feature the book “One Dog Canoe.” Open to children all day both days.

Reachout Rescue and Resources. A small group of rescuers with a large amount of passion for dogs and cats; offers adoption services.

Shenandoah Veterinary Hospital. This fully accredited Martinsburg facility offers comprehensive care for household pets, as well as boarding and grooming services.

Soggy Doggy. USA-made pet supplies and treats, and home dcor for animal lovers.

DogFest Sponsors

China Kitchen, CT Walls & Floors, Greensburg Bed and Biscuit, Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Shenandoah Veterinary Hospital, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown Visitors Center, Shepherdstown Business Association, Station at Shepherdstown, Town of Shepherdstown.