Dog Daze
By MIA ROTELL
Just another day of characters leisurely parading around the park in Southern California; a gathering of ladybugs, fairies, pirates, lions, and of course playing to the worldwide image — hippies in tie dye shirts along with their iconic hippie bus.
What binds them? Each has four legs.
The 11th annual Dog Daze, canine festival and contest, was held last Saturday In Menifeeʻs, Aldergate Park. The judges table held over a dozen trophies for the participating pooches, all in competition for “Cutest”, “Scariest”, “Best”, “Judges’ Choice”, and “Best Human/Pet Costume” in each of the small, medium, and large dog categories.
“It’s fun to see the dogs all dressed up and looking cute — that’s what makes it fun for the humans too.” Ashley WIlson said, who participated in the small dog category with Bridget “the chunky little bumblebee” and Walter — the social superhero.
Vendors, scattered throughout, included dog-tailored businesses that sold dental chew sticks, collars, bandanas and the sort. Raffle tickets presented the chance to win baskets filled with dog, human, and, yes, even cat prizes. Meow!
The Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District hosts Dog Daze at Aldergate Park on the first Saturday of every October. It started as a fun festive event for the neighboring senior community, Oasis, and has grown over the years.
The festival has been primarily for dogs and their owners, but a new addition to the canine festival, the Haven Pet Center animal shelter, brings a new element to the event. Jose Farias feels Haven Pet Centerʻ appearance at community events, like Dog Daze, is crucial to encouraging rescues and adoptions.
“The more we’re out in the community, the more we let people know about our facility and the animals we care for,” Farias said. “ It [exposure] helps a lot.”
The Park District’s Public Information Officer, Craig Shultz said, “It started in the senior community and it’s grown. We reached out to the community so we got vendors and resources. It’s just a fun way to kick off the Halloween season.”
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