Dog Day Festivals throughout Connecticut To Celebrate Responsible Ownership

Connecticut dog lovers are invited to celebrate their special bond with their pets at local "Dog Day Festivals" throughout the state during September in observance of the American Kennel Club’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day.
The month-long celebration promotes both the fun and serious sides of dog ownership. In Connecticut, Best Friends Pet Care will host four events for dog owners: September 8 in Rocky Hill, September 15 in Avon and Bethany and September 29 in Norwalk.
Each event will feature a variety of fun and educational activities. There will be dog-friendly games and contests -- from serious competitions like best trick, most obedient and highest jumper to just-for-fun events like a pie-eating contest, bobbing for hot dogs and prizes for "best kisser" and "loudest howl".
Dog owners can try new activities with their dog, like agility or flyball, and expand their knowledge of their pet’s health and behavior at demonstrations and workshops by trainers, veterinarians, groomers and other pet care professionals. Other offerings include low-cost micro-chipping, Canine Good Citizen testing, first aid demonstrations, pet photography and dog safety workshops for children.
Don’t have a dog? Local shelters and rescue groups will attend each of the four events with adoptable dogs looking for homes.
Responsible Dog Ownership Day, established by the AKC in 2003, involves hundreds of organizations around the country. The goal of the initiative is to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets. Last year, more than 350 local events were held, reaching millions of dog lovers and potential pet owners through extensive media coverage.
"Whether you've had dogs for years or are a new pet owner, AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day can teach all dog owners some new tricks about caring for their canine buddy," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "The activities offered not only highlight dog ownership as a big responsibility with various commitments but one that comes with the rewards of unconditional love."
For more details or directions, visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com or www.akc.org.