Doggy Con
Atlanta, August 18, 2018
No dragons showed up for Doggy Con, but lots of doggies did. Hosted by Woodruff Park and Central Atlanta Progress, this year’s Woodruff Bark pet parade and costume contest were inspired by Dragon Con, one of the world’s largest pop culture, sci-fi and fantasy conventions that attracts thousands to town each Labor Day weekend. More than 100 pets and their owners strutted their stuff in cosplay costumes for a chance to win prizes. Outfits paid homage to Star Wars (“Bark Vader”), Game of Thrones, Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and other favorites. Plenty of doggy-centric vendors, prizes, food sellers and community partners were on hand. Prizes were donated by Dragon Con, the Ellis Hotel, Big Daddy Biscuits, Ruff Day Bandanas, the Whole Dog Market, POP Paracording, Grandma Lucy’s and Jazzy Pawz by Andrea. Contest judges were Karen Anderson of tinydoorsatl.com, owner of Joystick Gamebar Johnny Martinez and Instagram celebrity Reuben the Batdog. The contest emcee was local radio personality Mara Davis, and the parade grand marshal was Teddy the Morkie Pup.
End of Summer BASH
Roswell, August 25, 2018
To mark its anniversary, Lucky’s Burgers and Brew Roswell celebrated with its 8th Annual End of Summer BASH. The pet-friendly event featured Lucky’s annual 2nd Cutest Dog Contest to benefit Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta. Door prizes and goodie bags were provided by community sponsors Puppy Haven, Chattahoochee Animal Clinic, The Downtown Pooch, PetSuites, SFX Fitness, Top Dogs Pet Boutique, Aura Hair and Makeup and the Girl Scouts. Author Lester Aradi was on hand with his pups, Romeo and Hope, to sign his new book, Tricycle and Friends, about a three legged golden retriever rescue. The story introduces readers to a group of real-life farm rescue animals living at Horse Creek Stable Rescue and Sanctuary in north Georgia, where they serve as therapy animals for children with special needs. Sanctuary (horsecreekstableandlodging.com) in north Georgia. Pawty Animals’ Lucy and Holly were also on hand. Live entertainment was provided by American rock band 40Hz, and beer specials were poured by Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative.
Pet Parade at Sandy Springs Festival
Sandy Springs, September 22, 2018
Nearly 100 pets and their families attended the 2018 Pet Parade at the Sandy Springs Festival, presented by Angels Among Us Pet Rescue in partnership with Heritage Sandy Springs. Established in 1984 as “Founder’s Day,” the festival has grown from a small picnic to the largest community event in the city, drawing 20,000 attendees over two days. Atlanta GirlZ Club emceed the event again this year. Crash Clark of 11Alive (an Angels Among Us adopter) served as the parade’s grand marshal. Judges were Addie and Sheldon of That Dood Squad; Randall Ray, founder of PuppyPals; and, Greta Russo, founder of Atlanta-based SUP Creative Group, Inc. This year’s event included a new $10 tax-deductible fee to participate in the Pet Parade. Proceeds benefited Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and Heritage Sandy Springs. Even those not in the parade sported creative costumes, and prizes were awarded for Most Unusual Pet, Owner/Pet Look Alike, Best Group Costume, Cutest Critter and Best of Show. Sponsors for the swag bag gifts and prizes included The Pet Resorts-Dunwoody, Dog City II, Atlanta Pet Life, Chattahoochee Animal Clinic, Fido Fido Dog Daycare & Boarding, Perk-N-Pooch, Belle Isle Animal Hospital, Hollywood Feed, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, VCA North Atlanta Animal Hospital and others.
The festival also featured a street art market, live entertainment, activities for children and teens and gourmet food angelsrescue.org.
Woofstock
Smyrna, September 29 and 30, 2018
Music, memories and adoptable dogs were back with Woofstock in Smyrna during this year’s pet friendly festival. Billed as “Atlanta’s Largest Pet Party in The Park,” the event is one of the biggest pet adoption events in the South, with two days of live music from favorite local bands, pet costume contests, pet demonstrations, activities for children, unique vendors, more than 50 nonprofit and rescue groups, and food vendors.
Party for the PAWS
Atlanta, September 29, 2018
Founded in 1966, PAWS Atlanta is a nonprofit animal-welfare organization that provides love, nutrition, medical care and basic training to homeless animals until permanent homes can be found. The Party for the PAWS benefit gala was held at Chastain Horse Park, a nonprofit that empowers riders of all abilities through relationships with horses. The gala featured an online auction, raffles, cocktails, music, adoptable dogs and gourmet food from Avenue Catering Concepts.
Atlanta GirlZ Club
Lucy, Holly & Kathi Welch
Follow us on Instagram: @lucyandholly_atlgirlzclub
