Page 34 - Biz X Magazine - July/August, 2014 Issue

FEATURE STORY By Rebecca Wright Photos courtesy of “Woofa-Roo Pet Fest” “Woofa-Roo Pet Fest” features dozens of local businesses and organizations, including these returning 2013 vendors: health nutrition for dogs and cats specialists Royal Canin Canada, For Your Fur Kids Owners Victor and Kathy Pundzuis, and K9 to 5 Paws and Play representing MotorCity Greyhound Rescue. Family Fun For Everyone At “Woofa-Roo Pet Fest!” his year during the dog days of summer, rare parrots, Windsor Police K9 Unit, pet Tis includes Zeus, the world’s tallest Tenjoy a way to beat the heat with some psychic, an all-breed luring course, prizes, dog, whose frst and only appearance in cool fun-flled family entertainment at silent auctions, musical entertainment, Canada was at last year’s “Woofa-Roo the second annual “Woofa-Roo Pet Fest” stage shows, food and much more. Pet Fest.” He is back again this year with (WoofaRoo.com). Biz X magazine is proud to sponsor a second Guinness World Record holder, Held at the Libro Credit Union Centre a new event at this year’s festival, which Morgan, the world’s tallest female dog. (formerly United Community Credit is a non-competitive all-breed luring Afer a successful premiere last year, the Union), located at 3295 Meloche Road in course run by the Woofa-Roo Dashers. Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving revisits, Amherstburg, bring your pets along with Te non-proft group runs a course that which Clayton says was a crowd-pleaser you to attend this year’s event taking place uses pulleys to lure dogs to chase afer an and an exciting event that attendees should Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 object through a feld. Lure coursing is a defnitely check out. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. dog sport that encourages what dogs do “Combine these unique events with Event Director and Founder Lorene naturally – running and chasing prey. some old favourites, mix in passionate Clayton says the event features more than “We are bringing in some attractions animal lovers and we have this amazing 60 specialty vendors, artisans and pet that are not only unique to Essex County, opportunity to enhance the exposure professionals who showcase a wide variety but to Canada,” says Clayton. of our vendors, sponsors, charities and of pet and people goods and information. rescues,” says Clayton. “As an animal lover and with experience A main focus of the annual event is producing large productions, Woofa- having fun for a good cause, says Clayton. Roo Pet Fest was a perfect ft for me,” “Not only do we have a lot to see, says Clayton. “And with the success of learn and participate in, we have a huge pet festivals across the country and south charitable component,” says Clayton. of our border, why not build one here in Eleven diferent local charities and Essex County?” rescues beneft from the signifcant Clayton says last year there were 7,500 exposure the festival draws, says Clayton. people and 2,000 dogs in attendance. But, Many also beneft from the many diferent she says the numbers from last year she’s events at “Woofa-Roo Pet Fest,” including: most proud of are the 45 adoptions that • Proceeds from the charity portraits were made, the dozen new foster homes with world’s tallest dog, Zeus, beneft the that were registered with local rescue Windsor Essex County Humane Society. organizations, and the more than $5,500 Last year, portraits with Zeus raised more that was raised for local animal charities than $2,000 for the local Humane Society. and rescues. • Tis year, on the Sunday afernoon, Clayton projects this year’s attendance guests have an opportunity that no other numbers to increase to about 10,000 festival in Canada has – they can have a people and 3,000 dogs, and she’s hoping to charity portrait taken with not just one, but double the adoptions and donations. two Guinness World Record holders. Zeus Some highlights of the event include: World’s tallest dog, Zeus, poses for a photo with will be at the festival along with Morgan, Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving, Border his owners, the Doorlag family, from left, Kevin, his the world’s tallest female dog. Tis session City Barkers Agility, pony rides, an daughter Miranda, wife Denise and son Nick, along of portraits beneft Danes In Distress. adoption centre, Meet Te Breeds exhibit, with “Woofa-Roo Pet Fest” Director and Founder • A portion of Glitterfy Faces face- a Pet-Ucation Centre, face painting, exotic Lorene Clayton, in front. painting benefts CK Animal Rescue. 34 BIZ X MAGAZINE • JULY/AUG 2014 BizX2014JulyAug52.indd 34 2014-07-02 3:32 PM