Dogs and their owners donned their favorite tie-dyed gear and gathered Saturday in the spirit of peace and love at Woofstock in support of Allentown¿s quest to build a dog park.
Dogs and their owners donned their favorite tie-dyed gear and gathered Saturday in the spirit of peace and love at Woofstock in support of Allentown's quest to build a dog park.
Purebreds, mutts and their human best friends mingled during a day of live entertainment, friendly competition, demonstrations, food and canine-friendly vendors at Cedar Beach.
Michelle Fuss and Harley, a teacup Yorkshire terrier, entered the Pet and Parent Look-alike Contest dressed as hippies in psychedelic colors. Fuss, of Northampton, donned a furry hat and black nose paint to look more like her pint-sized partner. They didn't win, but Fuss was proud to show off Harley, who is not just a cute companion but her service dog. Harley has been trained to detect low blood sugar in Fuss, a diabetic.
"I got him as a pet," Fuss said, cradling Harley. "He's been a good dog."
Fuss and hundreds of others who attended Woofstock would like to see Allentown build a dog park for their pets. While the event, organized by Friends of the Allentown Parks, was free for the public, it raised money by charging exhibitors. Stands featured homemade dog biscuits, pet fashion, rescue dog awareness, pet photos and more.
Michelle Cox of Whitehall, whose husband made tie-dyed shirts for the event, attended with her son Jacob and sheltie puppy Sammy.
"We would bring the kids [to the playground] and just sit there with the dogs," Cox said. "I think a lot of people in this city need a place to bring their dogs."
Jack Kaye of Emmaus entered the Grooviest Dog contest with his hound-terrier mix, Tiger, a rescue dog from an Allentown shelter. Kaye, dressed as a hippie, presented Tiger wearing a 1960s-inspired magic bus costume. The duo won.
"We're just canine people," Kaye said.
Many canine people in Allentown have been hoping for a dog park, which currently is not in the city's budget. Organizers of the festival, formerly called Barkfest, would like to see a park built with a corral for small dogs and one for large dogs, a dog water fountain, pavilion and fencing. Trout Creek Park East on Auburn Street has been suggested as a possible site.
In keeping with the event's theme, there was nothing but good vibes Saturday as purebreds mingled with mutts and little dogs in baby carriers and strollers sniffed and wagged at Great Danes and pit bulls.
And, in good form, not a single pooch wet the stage during a day full of contests.
Sarah Fulton is a freelance writer.
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