Woof Woof! Dog Days On The High Desert

When the sun comes out in Central Oregon, so do all the pooches in the parks — that was just the scene Sunday at Bend’s Riverbend Park.

Hundreds of people and their four-legged friends gathered for the second annual Deschutes Dog Days.

The event was held by DogPAC and aimed to celebrate the organization’s work to promote dog health and enjoyment.

New this year: DogPAC’s inaugural Ruff Run, a 5K run or walk with your dog.

Organizers say this is also a great way to promote off-leash parks throughout Bend and raise some much-needed funds.

“This is not an off-leash walk in the forest — it’s just a good time for folks to come out on a beautiful summer day, play some games, have some food,” said DogPAC’s Kreg Lindberg. “It’s just a good time to have with your pooch and for your pooch to meet other dogs as well.”

Owners and their dogs also enjoyed games, a raffle and lots of local food vendors.

Dog games include ‘Hot Dog on a Spoon,’ timed fetch and many others.

Raffle tickets were $1,r and the proceeds go to raise funds and awareness about DogPAC’s vision.

But those pups weren’t the only ones having fun on the High Desert on Sunday.

Over in Madras, more than 100 dogs were putting their best foot — make that paw — forward.

It was the third and final day of the sixth annual United Kennel Club (UKC) All-Breed Dog Show at the Jefferson County Fair Complex.

Close to 130 dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds and their owners came from Canada, California, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Judges scored the dogs on various elements, according to the standard of that breed.

Organizers say the weekend was a huge success.

“The support has been great,” said dog show Secretary Debbie Glasby. “Every year, the people come back and bring more, and everybody says this is the best UKC show.”

Judge Robert Collins said, “I’m seeing the dogs fresh and anew, and I ask myself, ‘What did you see on this particular dog over this dog?’ And people ask, ‘What can I possibly do to increase my chances of possibly getting a ribbon?'”

This year’s dog show in Madras had the most entries over the past six years. Organizers say they can’t wait for next year and hope it’s even bigger and better.

For more information on the United Kennel Club, visit www.ukcdogs.com.