WOOFSTOCK 2020 Draws Dozens of Dogs, Owners

HARRISON – WOOFSTOCK 2020 came to the Harrison City Market for five hours Saturday – five very busy hours, filled with vendors, demonstrations, services and lots and lots of dogs. And, again, it was encouraged that dress emulate the good old tie-dye days of the ’60s.

Longtime market vendor Betty Sprague brought a much duded-up Dusty, her Yorkie-poodle cross, who was definitely in the running to be the best-costumed pup in the place for the third consecutive year. This year, he juiced it up a bit by adding a tiny electric guitar – a regular Jimi Hendrix wannabe.

This year’s event included trained dog demonstrations by Michele and Willow Henderson of Michele’s Dog Training. Her business has multiple offerings: in-home training, Canine Good Citizen testing, classes, pet sitting, canine dancing and trick dog shows. This business’ energetic, show-savvy pups will be featured at the Harrison Street Fair, where a 30-foot circular area will be filled with some seriously skilled dogs showing off their stuff.

Tammy Mitchell of Bark-N-Bathe pet grooming service provided nail clipping for any wayfaring woofer who wanted a trim – and some who weren’t so eager to come into the large, echoing space filled with strange animals and people. No matter, Mitchell met them near the door where they were more comfortable.

Pinecone Cabin Treats was also onsite and provided dog goodies for the furrier of the attendees – and, no, that did not include the bearded/mustachioed among them.

It wasn’t all for the dogs, though, there also were free door prizes and gift baskets.

WOOFSTOCK events have been a combination of awareness-building for the Harrison City Market, and a chance for the Clare County Animal Shelter to show off some of its pets and increase awareness of the shelter’s needs. This year, however, with pandemic restrictions, the shelter was not onsite with pets, but attendees were encouraged to donate items the shelter needs, such as dog food, bleach, etc.

All in all, it was a good weekend event to get people in the groove of getting out – while masked and physically distanced – and to get ready to enjoy this year’s Aug. 21-22 Street Fair events and entertainment.