April 18, 2024

By NICOLE JOBES

Rain or shine the show would go on as volunteers scrambled to help vendors set up, assemble obstacle courses and fill kiddie pools with dog treats. The rainy weather on Oct. 15 didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits as more families than expected showed up with their canine companions to celebrate Oktoberfest doggie-style.

“The dogs don’t care about the weather,” said Janet Deacon, a K-W Humane Society volunteer. Even though the wind was fierce and the rain was cold, people came out and just donned winter parkas over their lederhosen.

Photo by Nicole Jobes. Charlie the Rottweiler puppy gives his owner Rebecca Sachs a big wet smooch.

Playing carnival-style games such as barrel rolling and cookie hunting, and taking part in obstacle courses and relay races, DOGtoberfest enthusiasts and their furry friends took advantage of the festivities.

Not only was it a time for doggie pretzels and wiener schnerky, but the event was also a social gathering for dogs too. Elmwood, a Great Dane, made friends with a much smaller Dachshund,  while Charlie, a 10-week-old Rottweiler, made friends with Grace, the hound.

The day was also privy to some rare breeds, including Amber Fulton’s Catahoula leopard dog named Steeve.

Even though fewer participants than expected showed up, the day was successful according to K-W Humane Society volunteers.

DOGtoberfest is an official event of K-W Oktoberfest and was presented by Petvalu.

Only 10 weeks old, Charlie wins a treat playing his first "bobbing for bones" game.

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