People can meet the local celebrity, “Max,” Somerville's only police dog. - Photo by Bobbie Toner

Dog fest promises games, contests and tricks

By Julia Fairclough

Somerville by now is well known for its multitude of festivals that go on throughout the year. But never before has an event been staged just for our furry, loveable, four-legged friends.

Enter the Somerville Dog Festival, which will take place Sunday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Union Square, at the Conway Park on Somerville Avenue (just past the Market Basket).

“What better place than Somerville, which is such a dog friendly area, to bring dogs—and people—together,” said Adam Parker, a veterinarian with Porter Square Veterinarian, which is sponsoring the event.

All well-mannered dogs, current on vaccinations and on-leash, are welcome. Event proceeds will go to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.

The day will feature a number of doggie demonstrations on various skills, from agility, to Frisbee, nose work, search and rescue, and something called “urban mushing.” Urban mushing, by the way, involves dog-powered activities, such as dog scootering, carting, and of course, dog sledding. Read more about the events and view demonstrations by logging onto the event’s Web site at http://www.somervilledogfestival.org/.

There will also be a doggie fashion show, best trick contest, and dog-owner look alike contest. People can meet the local celebrity, “Max,” Somerville’s only police dog, Parker said.

“There’s basically something for everyone, and fun for the whole family,” he said.

Furthermore, elected officials will join in the fun. For example, Mayor Joseph Curatone and Aldermen Maryann Heuston and Dennis Sullivan will judge the best dog trick contest. Local businesses that cater to dogs will also join the event.

Michele Biscoe, chairperson of the Somerville Dog Owner’s Group (www.somdog.org), said dog owners can learn a whole host of new games to play with their dogs. For example, “free style” demonstrations will show people who to dance with their dog.

“I never knew you could do a thing like that,” said Biscoe, the owner of a 13-year-old Standard Poodle named Strummer. She added that the event is indeed a great activity for the whole community. “There are so many dog owners in Somerville,” she said.

Parker has been at Porter Square Veterinarian for the past six years, and prior to that was a volunteer and then a veterinary technician. He graduated from the veterinary school at Tufts University.

Parker has been thinking of putting on a dog festival for a while now, and this one has been in the works for the past year.