Pool time, Pilates and more fun with pups at fourth annual Dog Days of Summer

Heather McLeod with her pooch Benson at the Dog Days of Summer event on June 4.

Stratford’s dogs participated in contests, tried Pilates and cooled off in the rainbow sprinkler and wading pool in Market Square for the unofficial start to summer.

The Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) held its fourth annual Dog Days of Summer event featuring the dog show. Local pups competed in categories such as most unique trick, smiliest dog, best dressed, waggiest tail and most like its owner.

Pet-forward businesses like Paws on Patrol and the Barkery, as well as the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth (HSKWSP) had booths with information for dog owners. The BIA also gave out new Sniffari maps highlighting businesses that welcome dogs, washroom spots for humans and for dogs, and places for dogs to enjoy a good sniff.

"It was amazing. We had more vendors out than we ever had. I think we've done a lot better job raising some money for the humane society and as you can see, everybody had a good time,” said Jamie Pritchard, general manager of the Downtown Stratford BIA.

Donations could be made to the local humane society at the Dog Days of Summer. Victor Dinh, the manager of events and partnerships for the HSKWSP, also felt the event was successful.

“It grows every single year and we're happy to see so many members of the community and local businesses come together to support the humane society,” he said.

New to the Dog Days of Summer this year was the Pilates with your Pup event.

"We had a few people doing that. I think next year we'll expand on that,” Pritchard said.

Sniffari maps can either be viewed online by visiting https://downtownstratford.ca/whats-on/sniffari-map, picked up at the Destination Stratford Office or picked up at one of the locations of the following sponsors:

• Alley Cat Café

• The Queen’s Cue

• The Barkery

• Stratford Dog Walkers

• Pure Pets

• Ruffins

• Black Swan Brewing Co.

• Brch and Wyn

• Pawsitive Difference

• Pitter Patter Pet Spa

• Connection Chiropractic

• Paws on Patrol Stratford

• The Bru Garden

• Hartman’s Coffee and Tea

• The Boathouse