ASHLAND – The 8th Annual Pawzfest will take place on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Ashland County Fairgrounds. Activities will get under way at 8:30 a.m. with the Pawz for a Cawz 5k race and 2k Doggie Dash fun run.
Admission to the Humane Society of Ashland County event is free, but donations will be accepted. There is a registration fee for the race/fun run.
Sarah Kerr, Ashland County Humane Society board member and event organizer, said this is the organization’s largest fund-raiser each year.
“It’s a fun day,” Kerr said. “People are encouraged to bring their pets and enjoy the day.”
Pawzfest officially gets underway at 10 a.m. after the run/walk, with an opening ceremony, including a blessing of animals by Pastor Julie Thoms and a pet parade. Ashland City Councilman Matt Miller will serve as emcee for the event again this year.
At noon, prizes will be awarded in the Pet Contest for Best Costume, Best Trick, Cutest Pet and Smallest Pet. Contest winners get a $25 gift card from PetSmart and a $5 gift certificate from Eva’s Treats.
Kerr said three of the MANCI Cell dogs will be available for adoption. The dogs are sent to the prison for six weeks of nearly 24/7 one-on-one time with an inmate who has been trained to work with the dogs. Stacy Case, Cell Dog coordinator will be in the Green Merchant Building to show people the dogs and answer any questions.
“it’s a great social service program for them as well as for the dogs,” Kerr said. “They’re really nice dogs.”
Rabies vaccinations and microchipping will be performed by the Claremont Veterinary Clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The vaccinations will cost $15 and the microchipping will cost $25. The Barker Shop will offer dog grooming from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are offering blueberry dog baths, ear care and nail trimming for $10 per service or all three for $20 and all proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society.
Other activities include K-9 demonstrations by the Ashland Police and Ashland County Sheriff, a therapy dog demonstation by Dianne Hammontree, a car wash by the Barker Bunch 4-H club, and a fashion show presented by Clothes Minded Boutique.
For children, there will be hair painting and face painting. In addition, the Loudonville Library staff will help kids make and roll out dog biscuits that they can take home and bake.
Registration for the 4th annual Pawz for a Cawz 5K and 2k Doggie Dash will begin at 7:30 a.m. and costs $25. Pre-registration is available at www.ohioraceday.com.
