The 13th Annual Dog Days in May event was held Saturday at Howes Grove Park, bringing together local vendors and dog owners from noon to 4 p.m. for a fun-filled day dedicated to pets and their families.
The event, which has been a staple in the Belpre community since 2012, featured a variety of pet services, including grooming, baths, nail trimming, professional photos, and even free vaccinations. While the event is held rain or shine, Saturday’s sunny weather provided a perfect backdrop for dog lovers to gather with their furry companions.
Sponsored by Belpre Heights Church, Dog Days in May aims to help local dog owners who struggle with the cost of annual vaccinations, offering free services to assist them. The church also works closely with local dog service providers to ensure the event remains vibrant and community-oriented.
“This event has been growing each year,” said Donna Ingraham, a church volunteer who has helped with the event since its inception. “We started in the church parking lot, but outgrew it and moved here about four or five years ago.”
Several vendors have participated year after year, including businesses offering dog training, such as Band of Canines led by Ingraham’s niece, Amanda. The team of expert trainers captivated the crowd with their impressive dog obedience demonstrations, showing just how responsive well-trained pets can be.
For many local businesses, Dog Days in May is a key opportunity to engage with the community. Lucy Filipow, owner of Comfort Clips Mobile Grooming, has been a vendor for four years. “I’m the first traveling groomer in Belpre, and I’ve been in business for six years,” she explained. Her customized transit bus, which doubles as a full-service grooming salon, was a big hit, providing grooming, nail clipping, and shaving services to many excited pets.
The event also featured a variety of entertaining competitions and performances, including an obedience show by Band of Canines, a tail-wagging contest, a dog trick show, and a look-alike contest for dogs and their owners.
In addition to the festivities, the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley set up a donation station to encourage attendees to adopt local dogs in need of a home.
As always, Dog Days in May offered a unique opportunity for dog lovers to connect, celebrate, and support local pet businesses and services. According to Ingraham, the event has only grown in popularity over the years, and it’s clear that the community’s love for dogs and their owners is stronger than ever.
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