Press Release October 15, 2008
For Immediate Release Contact: Jacquie Holm-Smith
515.964.1616 / 515.419.3148

200 Dogs attend Ankeny Dog Park’s “Barktoberfest”!

Dog lovers came out in record numbers and brought 200 dogs with them to support the Ankeny Dog Park’s first annual “Barktoberfest” event at Chips Restaurant in Ankeny (Saturday, Oct. 11).

“The turnout exceeded our expectations,” says event co-chair Sinclair Stolle. “It demonstrates the popularity of dogs in our communities and reinforces the need for a dog park in Ankeny.”

Guests enjoyed sunny skies and fun entertainment organized by 4 Paws Unleashed – including paw painting, bobbing for hot dogs, and canine cake walks – along with agility demonstrations by Canine Craze Performance Center.

More than 20 dogs participated in the Halloween Costume Contest.

1st Place - “Dr.” Caffrey, mixed Lab
(owners: Scott and Holly McIlroy of Des Moines)

Five finalists included:

“Cowboy” Cain, Yorkie mix (owner: Jenny Blankenship of Clive)
“Yoda” the Pug (owner: Cyndee Davis of Des Moines)
“Farmer” Miget, Dachshund (owner: Sherry Erickson of Des Moines)
“Pirate” Maisi, Shih-Poo (owner: Katie Hessel of Des Moines)
“Fortune Cookie ” Lucky, Shih-Poo (owner: Jillian Moar)

Tallest dog honors went to Denver, Terri Deems’ 11-month old Great Pyrenees of Ankeny, who stood 30 inches at the shoulder.

The heaviest dog was Bruiser, Jim Green’s 10-year-old Rottweiler of Des Moines, who weighed in at 130 lbs.

Smallest dog in attendance was Joli, Sam Johnson’s 3lb. 6 oz. Toy Poodle of Ankeny.

Winners of the dog/owner look-alike contest
Roxy, Shih Tzu (owner: Jessica Higgins of Urbandale)

Human food and beverages were served by Chips Restaurant, while Brown Dog Bakery catered to the four-legged clientele. Several dogs were microchipped on-site by Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital.

Barktoberfest sponsors included Ashley's Pet Sitting Service, The Bark Zone, Bike Iowa, Brown Dog Bakery, Canine Craze Performance Center, Chips Restaurant , Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital, 4 Paws Unleashed, Great Iowa Pet Expo, Invisible Fence, Scooper Troopers, Tri-County Boarding Kennel!

The event was organized by the Ankeny Dog Park committee to help raise awareness and support for a community dog park. In January, the Ankeny City Council approved the formation of an Ankeny Dog Park task force to collaborate with the City’s Park Board in developing a local, off-leash Dog Park. Potential locations are being explored.

To see more event photos, go here and for photos from the Des Moines Register here.