By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Long lines formed early at Yukon’s annual “dog carnival,” where local pooches of all variety were pampered as their owners shopped.
Pets & People’s 12th annual “Pawsitively Pampered Dog Wash, Grooming & Vendor Event” last Sunday, Sept. 11 filled the parking lot outside YNB Parkway, 1550 Garth Brooks Blvd.
“We washed 183 dogs, trimmed 199 nails, did 97 grooms, and 17 glands,” event co-chair Peggy Nichols said. “We were a little lower on the number of dog washes, but up on some of the other items.”
The Canadian County humane society’s 2021 benefit set a record with 203 dogs washed after 187 were washed in ’20.
Each year, volunteers wash the dogs safely in enclosed 12 foot-by-12 foot kennels with secured gates.
“We have a whole lot more volunteers this year; I’m trying to keep them busy,” Nichols said.
In all, 148 people came out to volunteer last Sunday.
Eight professional dog groomers brought their grooming tables and equipment to provide their services.
About $8,000 was raised at this annual dog wash and grooming event to benefit Pets & People, which operates a no-kill animal rescue and adoption center in eastern Canadian County.
The non-profit humane society has saved about 57,000 dogs and cats since 1992.
DAY TURNED OUT ‘BEAUTIFUL’
After rains Saturday night, the skies cleared to provide an ideal, comfortable setting for Sunday’s dog wash and vendor fair.
“I was really surprised this morning after thinking we were going to be slow,” Nichols shared. “We had the first dog show up at 9:30 a.m. and about 10 dogs came right after.
“Everybody’s been very patient. We were a little short-handed with groomers, but everybody’s been really great. It’s a beautiful day.”
The dog wash and grooming didn’t officially start until 10 a.m.
“We’ve never been this busy, this early,” event co-chair Stacey Sprague said. “Usually, the crowd shows up around lunchtime.
“We’re a well-known event now.”
Meanwhile, about 40 vendors rented booth space in the bank parking lot to sell a wide array of products – dog accessories, jewelry, kitchenware, make-up, holiday gifts, and much more.
Five food trucks were on-site to nourish attendees and participants.
With the dog wash’s popularity, the event co-chairs were asked if they’d ever consider moving to a larger place.
“Oh no, YNB Parkway has been awesome for us …and so has the Fairfield Inn,” Nichols quickly replied. “I love this location.”
It’s just south of Interstate 40 along the busy Garth Brooks Boulevard retail corridor.
Pets & People is seeking more people to foster and adopt homeless animals in its care. Learn more at http://www.petsandpeople.com
