LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Dogs and Their People Party Downtown


Butterfly pooch with pearls and two little girls is "Blizzard" with big sister Sophie who has been dressing up the dog since she was little. Pictured with friend Sammy. Photos Cathy Tyson

At the debut event that celebrated all things dog, canine owners and their clearly beloved pets came to downtown Lafayette to enjoy Dogtown Downtown. While it may be easier than herding cats, city manager Steve Falk greeted four-legged participants at Plaza Park and asked them to organize the kick-off dog parade with smallest dogs leading the pack. The boisterous crowd of dogs followed instructions, making the trek all the way down Golden Gate Way to the library where a variety of booths had been set up, along with water dishes. Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon informative complimentary presentations were given in the Community Hall and the Art and Science classroom by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the SAGE Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care that lent an educational component to the festive event covering topics such as canine first aid, heat stroke and rattlesnake bites. Demonstrations and charming dog competitions were also a highlight. Shared enthusiasm for dogs, many of whom were decked out, and joyful neighborliness marked - in a good way - the event.

C. Tyson