Critters
by Debra Bell
Special to The Weekly
It seems like we skipped over spring and launched right into summer. And after a cold, hard winter of being cooped up inside, people and their pups are ready to go on an adventure (or two).
Throughout the summer in Maine there are many dog-oriented events and in Bangor, the summer dog season kicks off with the Greater Bangor Bark for Life 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Bass Park. There’s still time to register — just head over to relay.acsevents.org and enter “Bangor, Maine” in the search bar. You can also register the day of the event.
In its fourth year, the Bangor Bark For Life event has become one of the largest in Maine, pulling in more than $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. And it’s partly due to the big hearts of its participants and their loved ones. Plus, any event that celebrates dogs and the relationship they have as caregivers is likely to inspire support.
This year I’ll be photographing Bark for Life again (I also photographed the Greater Portland Bark for Life on May 3) and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s fun to see the people and their pets who take part and inspiring to read the honorary luminary bags that will line Bass Park. Having known people and dogs that have fought cancer, this is one small thing that I can do to help. And most of the people who participate feel the same way.
In August, another great dog-oriented event is the Maine Boats, Homes and Harbor’s Boatyard Dog competition. This will be my third year working with the event and it never fail to delight and astonish. Five dogs will compete for barking rights to be named the World Champion Boatyard Dog. Their tasks are simple, navigate a maze, do some tricks, get in and out of a tippy dinghy and finally, get soaking wet (or have their handlers get drenched). This year’s Boatyard Dog trials will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. This event does not allow for people to bring their dogs with them, but you’ll enjoy watching the antics of very smart and cool dogs. Learn more at maineboats.com/boatshow/visitors/boatyard-dog.
Whenever or wherever you take your pup this summer, always make sure the event is right for your dog. Some dogs won’t fare well at events where there are lots of other dogs while some love to be social. And make sure you also bring items to keep pup and the community happy, such as water, a travel water bowl, and dog poo bags. It never hurts to throw a doggie first aid kit in the car too, just to be on the safe side.
Debra Bell is a freelance writer and graphic designer and is the owner of Bell’s Furry Friends Photography, a division of Bell Imaging & Design LLC. For information, go to bffpetphotos.com.