—_—- PETS bowen sia THERE'S a party going on and everyone and their dog is invited — literally! The 8th annual “Dog Days of Summer” on Bowen island takes place August 13th, and this year will be a proverbial pooch p-a-r-t-y ... vee-haw! Or should I say “woof, woot"? The Dog Days of Summer is a yearly fund-raising event held in Snug Cove on Bowen island. The money raised from the event goes to the B.C. Guide Dog Services, which is a non-profit organization dedicated tw the development of the Guide Dog Movement in B.C. In the fast three years the festival has 800 to 1,000 people. This vear there is a larger attendance expected as the admission is free and past years have been so much fin. The dog contes demontrations and competi- tions are going to be a tail-wag- gin’ good time. A short list of some of the fido frolicking contests include the North Shore News’ “best dog trick” and an ice cream gating contest that will pair children and dogs together and will be a lickfest for sure. Whoever eats the ice cream first wins (can you picture this?). : Peteetera’s “a drop in the bucket” will be a canine connection He will be arriving scon. He will be closer than ever before! WUE. ALS Sabo eae ou contest is thar 300 tennis balls will be numbered for peopte to purchase. When all of the balls are sold, they will be dropped from the pier inte the water. All of the dogs present that can do the dog paddle will be let loose to swim into the water and retrieve the balls. The owners must then get the ball from their dog and drop that ball into a bucket. The dog who brings in the first ball wins the grand prize and the person who has pur- chased that ball wins the other grand prize. There are also pet-owner lookalike contests, best dressed dog, most unusu- al looking dog and an obedience compe- tition complete with judges. Besides doggie contests there will be doggic entertainment, such as an air scenting demonstration and a live water rescue. Both demos are provided by local canine training facilities and should be fun to watch as these dogs do their stuff. Musical entertainment will be pro- vided by Jennie Emery. All the festivities begin at noon and wrap up at 3 p.m. Registration for the events begins at 11 a.m. (be sure to check out the ferry schedule). Although admission to the festival is free, so all can watch the pawticipants and the festivi- ties, there is a S5 registration fee that covers all entries into any number of competitions and contests. Not only will this festival be a howl- ing good time for the dogs, but it will be an entertaining day where dog lovers can get together in an environment com- pletely devoted to dogs and have fun with their pups. What dog person doesn’t like to do that? Let's not forget that the Dog Days of Summer is a fund-raising event for a good cause, so donations are welcome. We all know how special guide dogs are and what an essen- tial service they provide for the visially imparied. Many visually impaired people not only rely on their dogs to guide them through life’s visu- al maze, but as companions that give the NEWS photo Terry Peters DOG Days of Summer will be held Aug. 13. The event is a fundraiser to heip train guide dogs like Eisa, here with partner Tamara Tedesco. unique, unconditional loving devotion and security ina way only adog can do. Even if you don’t have a dog or don’t want to bring your dog along to participate, come show your support and be prepared to have a barking good time. — Jonn is the owner of Sterra K9 training. For advice or training e-mail her at . Conments in the form of a letter ro the editor are welcome.