This Weekend is All About the Dogs in Your Life

Show the dogs in your life some extra attention this weekend by going to the first Doggie Dash and Pet Expo on Saturday in Lake Orion.

For the Doggie Dash, pet owners will walk with their dogs on a leash for 1.25 miles, starting and ending at the Orion Center, 1335 Joslyn Rd. Registration opens at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

Doggie Dash registration offers three options:

• $5 — Includes the Doggie Dash and a raffle ticket.
• $10 — Includes the Doggie Dash, a raffle ticket and a water bowl for the dog.
• $20 — Includes the Doggie Dash, a raffle ticket, water bowl and a T-shirt.

For those not interested in participating in the Doggie Dash or who want some extra bonding time with their animal after the walk, there will be a free Pet Expo from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Orion Oaks Dog Park. According to Amanda Campbell, who has helped plan the day’s festivities, there will be 17 vendors on site, along with two pet adoption booths.

“There’s going to be a little bit of everything there for pet owners,” Campbell said.

Vendors include area veterinarians, pet food distributors, obedience trainers, groomers and more. Many plan to offer free samples, and raffle prizes will also be available.

A couple of organizations, such as Girl Scouts and the Lions Club, will also be on hand to raise money for pet-related causes. For example, Lions Club representatives will clip nails to raise money for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Campbell said some of the prizes to be raffled include gift baskets featuring Milk-Bone and other treats, toys, gift certificates and tennis balls. One of the large items being raffled is a one-night stay for a pet and its owner at the Weathervane Terrace Inn and Suites in Charlevoix. A secret prize will also be given to the smallest dog and largest dog in attendance.

Pet Expo events will include police K-9 demonstrations, an agility course demonstration, a weiner dog race and Disc Dogs of Michigan shows.

“You can’t take your pets everywhere, so most people don’t get to do many quality things with their pets anymore; that’s what makes this a great event,” Campbell said. “Plus, it’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend.”

Orion Townshiop is hosting the event in partnership with Oakland County Parks. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 248-391-0304, ext. 143, or visit its website at oriontownship.org.