By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Yukon’s beloved canines will receive special treatment this Sunday during a popular annual benefit for homeless animals.
Pets & People Humane Society will present its 12th Annual “Pawsitively Pampered Dog Wash, Grooming & Vendor Event” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 11 outside YNB Parkway, 1550 Garth Brooks Blvd.
“Last year’s event set another record for us with 203 dog washes,” event co-chair Peggy Nichols said. “We had 187 dog washes the year before.”
This Sunday, dogs will be pampered with washes, basic grooming and nail trims.
Pets & People’s Dog Wash, Grooming & Vendor Event helps socialize these prized pooches.
“We love all the dogs and owners who come out each year,” said Nichols, a Pets & People board member. “It always feels like a ‘dog carnival’.
“We love to see some of our favorites return for their pampering as their owners shop the vendor booths.”
Dogs are kept safe by being washed in enclosed 12 foot-by-12 foot kennels with secured gates.
Prices for washes are $10 (under 60 pounds), $15 (over 60 pounds) and $20 (large breed with long and thick hair such as the Great Pyrenees and St. Bernard).
Basic grooming is $20 (de-shedding large dog), $25 (small fluffy breed) and $30-plus (large fluffy breed).
And it costs $10 each for other grooming services like nail trims, glands and nail polishes.
All proceeds benefit Pets & People, which operates a no-kill animal rescue and adoption center in eastern Canadian County.
The September 2021 Yukon dog wash netted $8,751.69 for Pets & People.
The non-profit humane society has saved about 57,000 dogs and cats since 1992.
“We have seen a greater need this year with more dogs than ever turned in to animal shelters,” Nichols shared. “One of our greatest needs are more foster homes so that we can save more from euthanasia.
“If you are interested, please go to petsandpeople.com to fill out our foster form.”
VENDOR BOOTHS
While their four-legged friends are being spoiled rotten this Sunday, dog owners will enjoy shopping at 35-plus vendor booths and food trucks.
“We have a lot of new vendors this year and several returning from last year with a huge variety of items for adults, kids and pets,” event co-chair Stacey Sprague said.
“We’ve also added several new food trucks to our lineup.”
Vendors will offer a wide array of products, such as clothing, holiday gifts, dog accessories, jewelry, home and kitchen goods, handmade items, and make-up.
Some 150-200 volunteers are helping plan and present this Sunday’s Yukon dog wash.
“We have a great group of volunteers this year with many returning and signing up as early as June,” Nichols said. “All our professional groomers are returning as well. They are from different grooming salons but all work well together.”
Event organizers thanked YNB (Your Neighborhood Bank) for allowing them to have this prime site near Interstate 40 and Garth Brooks Boulevard.
Fairfield Inn & Suites also allows Pets & People to use a large portion of its front parking lot for the event.
All dog rescues are above capacity as they work to save animals.
“We are seeing returns in large numbers and the rescues are hurting for funds,” Nichols noted. “We are hoping this fundraiser eases that for Pets & People.”
For more information, visit the “Pawsitively Pampered” Facebook event page or http://www.petsandpeople.com
