DAWG days at fairgrounds Sept. 13

Staff Reports

Douglas Animal Welfare Group hosts its fourth annual It's a DAWG's Day animal awareness event, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13, in the Douglas County Fairgrounds pavilion.

Events include a celebrity DAWG pound, where local VIPs will be incarcerated while they raise bail money to benefit the local animal rescue organization. Among this year's detainees are State Assemblyman James Settelmeyer and Douglas County commissioners James Baushke, Kelly Kite and Doug Johnson with his dog Trash. Also in lock-up will be commission candidate Mike Olson.

Others who have agreed to raise bail money for DAWG include retired county assessor Barbara Byington, Eddy Street Book Exchange owner Linda Finch's dog Shelby, DAWG mascot Fluffy, local DAWG supporting family Judy, Emily and Taffy Keele, J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room owner Marie Lekumberry, Scott McCulloch of the Douglas County Building Department, community volunteer Cindy Petersen, Steve Weissinger of Country Financial and Ray Sidney of Big George Ventures.

Well-mannered pets on leash no longer than 6 feet are welcome and can be entered into competitions such as animals that look most like their owners or celebrities. There are also plans for a dog trick contest.

The Pawsitive Traction Demo Team will offer agility demonstrations at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Plant-It Nursery at 1346 Centerville Lane will donate 20 percent of all sales between Sept. 13 and Sept. 28 to DAWG.

Other highlights include a silent auction, low-cost microchip and vaccination clinics, DAWG dog adoptions, pet photography, a pet psychic. There will be raffles, door prizes and food.

Vendors for the event include: Ann Clayton Photographic Imaging, Bag Ladeez, Canine Creations, Cachet Candles, Critter Connection Pet Psychic, Douglas County Democratic and Republican central committees, Eastern Sierra Feed, Fas-Break Windshield Repair, Jafra by Michelle, Jewels by Parklane, John Peeters Wood Crafts, Kritter Pressions, MAX's Pet Supplies, Pet Chef Express, Pet Sitters Plus, Plant-It Nursery, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Quail Ridge Animal Hospital, Soft Leash Company, Uppercase Living and the Carson Valley Lions Club with a hoagie and chip concession.

Funds raised benefit DAWG, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to helping the Douglas County Animal Shelter.

Members walk shelter dogs 365 days a year, host pet adoption events, and transport shelter dogs and cats to local veterinarians for spay/neuter and other medical needs.

The Douglas County Fairgrounds are on Pinenut Road in Gardnerville, across from the Douglas County Animal Shelter. Information, DAWG at www.dawgrescue.com or 267-7325.