It was a day for the dogs at Prairie Oaks Metro Park. On Aug. 27, several hundred canines from across the state descended upon the park’s Darby Bend Lakes area to participate in the annual animal fiesta known as Wag!Fest.
For six hours, pooches of all ages and breeds played in the water, met new friends, tested their agility at an obstacle course, and generally had a dog-gone good time. Their human companions joined in the fun, shopping for treats, hearing from local experts on pet care, and taking photos of their beloved pets enjoying the day.
Lisa Meyers-Capers, a volunteer with Adopt a Pit Rescue, hangs out with 2-year-old Ricky. According to Kirsten Knight, director of the Dayton-based animal rescue, Ricky is a very good boy who loves every person and animal he meets. More information on Ricky and his fellow good-home seeking friends can be found at www.adoptapitrescue.org.Findlay resident Steve Chasse and his border collie, Legacy, put on an awe-inspiring show at the Southern Ohio Flying K-9’s skills demonstration event.Wag!Fest visitors chill out on a hot day in the Atlas Butler Ice Castle.Monroe knows all the best angles to give a sweet kiss to companion Dawn Marsh.(From left) Toy poodles Jester, Queen Bee, and Prince Charming came dressed for the occasion.Austin Wolfe, a resident of Obetz, gets into an impromptu game of tug with his dog, Juniper, while waiting for the dock to clear.Dogs and humans frolic at the Water Bark Beach.Solana Cumpian, a volunteer with the Grove City-based rescue organization Speak! for the Unspoken, poses with her Dalmatian, Ren.Blu the pug tries to navigate the A-Frame obstacle under the tutelage of Sky Dogs trainer Holly Hauser (left) and with the encouragement of owner Karin Redelberger.Meg Werner, director of the Humane Society of Madison County, mixes business with fun at the event. Werner said Wag!Fest presents a great opportunity for the Humane Society to fundraise and bring awareness to all of the “wonderful animals we have who are looking for a wonderful home.”Are these dogs at play or are they sea creatures? You be the judge.
