VERMILION – Teach an old dog new tricks, dress him up or treat him to a snack Sunday when the Lorain County Metro Parks Vermilion River Reservation holds its inaugural Dog Dayz.
Similar to a program held at the Black River Reservation, Dog Dayz will offer visitors and their pooches plenty to see and do from 1 to 5 p.m.

Part of the focus of the event is on area animal shelters, according to Lindsay Miller, a naturalist for the Metro Parks.

“We began to think that we really wanted to promote local shelters for folks looking for a pet and to shed some light on what shelters do in the community,” Miller said. “They really do work to get animals adopted out.”

Representatives of Oasis in Oberlin, Friendship Animal Protective League in Elyria and Erie Shores will be on hand and will have pets that are ready to be adopted.

People thinking about volunteering with a shelter can check out prospective openings, and, according to Miller, “they`re always looking for volunteers.”

Among the Dog Dayz activities are dog obedience and trick demos by local dog trainer Criss Doss and displays by Laurie Loeffler of Canine Sports, a Vermilion firm devoted to agility training for dogs.

“This usually includes tunnels and jumps,” Miller said.

A special feature of the day will be demonstrations by area police canine units, including Spartan, the newest “employee” of the Lorain County Metro Parks. Ranger K-9 Spartan is a German shepherd less than a year old.

“He`ll be used for patrol work by park rangers sniffing for drugs and other jobs,” Miller said. “He`ll be our little mascot.”

A silent auction will offer a variety of items, and proceeds benefit local shelters.

Rounding out the schedule is a doggy walk and costumed pet parade with prizes.

North Ridgeville`s Grateful Dog Bakery will sell dog bones and other treats. Humans can grab something from vendors selling people food.

Vermilion River Reservation is at 51211 North Ridge Road, Vermilion. For a schedule and more information, call (440) 967-7310.

Contact Steve Fogarty at 329-7146 or sfogarty@chroniclet.com.

---

Print this story
Report an inappropriate comment

---

In order to comment, you must agree to our user agreement and discussion guidelines.

Need help? Email Us.

---