Event includes products, professional guidance, pet costume contest

By William J. Dagendesh

An outdoor pet expo designed to raise the woof on canine care is getting a round of a-paws from dog-lovers everywhere.

LovePup Bark at Briargate will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6, at Pikes Peak Patio at the Promenade Shops at Briargate.

The Colorado Springs event will offer on-site local rescues with dog adoptions, a variety of vendors, giveaways and more. LovePup, a key partner in this event, promises a paws-itive experience for everyone.

“The event benefits the LovePup Foundation, which was created by our morning show host Johnjay Van Es and his wife, Blake,” said Lindsey Duran, program director at My 99.9 KVUU FM in Colorado Springs. Duran, who is assisting with the event in conjunction with the Promenade Shops at Briargate, encourages everyone, even non-pet owners, to attend.

Dog-lovers agree this is a friends fur-ever event for anyone who is mutts about dogs. Here, canines of every shape, size and breed can be found roaming the crowd. Pets, dog trainers, rescue organizations, groomers and more will be available to answer questions or offer professional guidance pertaining to the family pooch.

Canine professionals will be there to bark out training commands to all furry four-legged friends and answer questions about grooming and supplies. Participating organizations include Camp Bow Wow, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pet Pantry, Saving DobermanKind, Turf Pro Solutions, Wag ‘n Wash, Whimpes to Wags, Wirenut Home Services and RezDawg Rescue.

Tentatively, Happy Hounds Pet Grooming & Salon will provide services for all the canines requiring pampering following a ruff day. “Unfortunately, National Mill Dog Rescue won't be able to attend this year as they already have another event that day,” Duran said.

But wait, there’s more. Dog owners can enhance this howl-arious event by dressing up their pet. In the past, dogs have donned a variety of attire ranging from a frilly ballerina tutu to a gray and black Batman cape and cowl. Who knows, the most fetching canine could be photographed for the cover of Vanity Fur magazine. Anything is paw-sible.

In all, canine owners agree this event is a celebration of dogs and a great opportunity for the community to come together and have a great time, whether looking to adopt a dog, find services for their pet or enjoy a day out with man’s – and woman’s - best friend.

Duran said LovePup wants to keep the mission of the event the same: to get as many shelter dogs adopted as possible and raise money for the LovePup Foundation. “Something new we're doing this year is ‘Yappy Hour’ with Ted's Montana Grill (located adjacent to the event), where a portion of drinks sold will be donated to the LovePup Foundation,” Duran said.

Entry is free with the donation of a pet supply item (collars, leashes, dog food, toys.) Community support benefits local rescues and the @lovepupfoundation resulting in a dog-gone good time for canines and canine lovers.

To learn more, visit the LovePup Foundation website or call 719-683-3334. Call HHPG&S at 719-593-1012. Or email info@thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com for more information.