For the chance to celebrate dogs and have a blast, head over to Yarmouth on July 15th and 16th for Paw Palooza. The largest dog festival on the Cape, families can bring their dogs for a day of fun like none other. “Think of it as the Barnstable County Fair for your dog,” says Jessica Thomas, co-owner of Agway of Cape Cod and one of the primary organizers. “It’s a great event for families and kids to bring their dog and give them a big blast of a time.” 
The festival’s main event is the DockDogs Competition, which is open for any dog to try. “DockDogs is a sanctioned canine sport that travels all over,” Thomas explains. Consisting of a 45-foot dock and 45-foot pool, dogs compete to see who can jump the furthest, highest, and longest.
The dogs have a blast doing it, as win or lose, there’s nothing more fun than getting to jump after a toy and land in a pool on a hot day. “It’s so amazing to see these dogs,” she recalls. “They are so happy and in the zone. I tried it out to see what my dog would do, and he ended up winning second in the whole competition!”
While only its second year, Paw Palooza is quickly becoming a tradition for dog lovers across the Cape. “Last year we had several hundred dogs and 6,000 people,” she says. An open event for dogs and humans alike, entertainment includes show rings where K9 dogs put on demonstrations of their various training, as well as frisbee dogs showing off amazing tricks.
The festival offers everything from handmade collars to gourmet dog food from the wide range of vendors, or dogs can indulge in facials, massages, ice cream, play areas, and even PupCasso art making. Humans, on the other hand, can enjoy crafts, food trucks, inflatable zones for kids, and tons of shopping. “Anyone can come,” Thomas says. “We just ask that your dog be socialized, on a leash, and vaccinated.”
Perhaps the best part of giving the dogs a grand day out is the chance to also help dogs in need. All the net proceeds from the event go to the MSPCA in Centerville and Animal Rescue League in Brewster. “The biggest piece of Paw Palooza is actually that we wanted a way to raise funds for our local animal shelters,” says Thomas. “It’s just a big win all around.”
-By Ettractions Digital Content Editor, ALLISON BENNETT
Massachusetts: Boston
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