Faith Eddy attended the Dog Days In May event on Saturday at Howes Grove Park with her puppy. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
BELPRE — The 13th Annual Dog Days In May event took place Saturday at Howes Grove Park from noon to 4 p.m. where local vendors set-up for free in the park to offer their services to dogs and their owners.
Dog Days In May has been going on since 2012, rain or shine. The event featured a variety of vendors who offer services such as grooming, baths, photos, nail cutting and free vaccinations.
Sponsored by Belpre Heights Church, the event focuses on helping dog owners in the area who struggle to pay for pet vaccinations each year. As a way to make the event more lively and community-focused, the church sought out local dog services who would be interested in participating.
“Some of these vendors have been with us through the last 13 years and some are new,” said church volunteer Donna Ingraham. “We started in the church parking lot but outgrew it and moved here about four or five years ago.”
Ingraham has been in attendance for the event throughout its entirety and said she loves helping out. She said a few of the regular vendors, as well as her niece Amanda Ingraham who is part of Band of Canines, focus on dog training.
Megan Crockett and her dog at Howes Grove Park Saturday for the Dog Days In May event. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
“They’re master trainers and all she has to do is snap her fingers and the dog says ‘yes ma’am what do you want me to do?’,” said Ingraham.
She said for the past 13 years, Dog Days In May has been an opportunity for dog owners to meet as well as connect with some of the local dog companies located nearby.
According to Ingraham, many of the vendors either give their services for free or ask for donations.
Business owner Lucy Filipow, who owns Comfort Clips mobile grooming, said she has been a vendor at the event for four years, and said she loves meeting the community and providing her services.
“I am the first traveling groomer in Belpre and I’ve been in business for six years now,” said Filipow. “I bought this transit bus in Logan, Ohio.”
The 13th annual Dog Days in May at Howes Grove Park is an event welcome to the public every year in the spring. Guests are encouraged to bring their furry friends and meet the local pet companies. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Inside of her renovated transit bus is a complete grooming and cleaning station. With a generator attached on the back and electrical systems installed throughout the vehicle, she can travel around the area and assist pet owners with their needs.
“I do grooming, nail clipping and shaving,” she said while tending to the nail’s of a customer’s dog.
The afternoon was packed with events such as an obedience show by Band of Canines, a tail wagging contest, dog trick shows and a look-alike contest for owner and dog .
Howes Grove Park was bustling with activity and dogs of all breeds. According to Ingraham, the event has gotten larger over the years and the turnout just keeps getting better each year.
Also in attendance was the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley with a donation site for dogs to be adopted.
Members of the Belpre Heights Church pose for a picture under the Howes Grove Park shelter house Saturday at the Dog Days in May event. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
“It’s all to donate to a good cause,” said Ingraham.
Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com
Sarah Romans, owner of Dippin & Clippin Dog Grooming, LLC, operates her vendor’s booth at the Dog Days in May event at Howes Grove Park on Saturday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Faith Eddy, her puppy, and Cindy Mayes enjoy the sunny weather at Howes Grove Park Saturday for the Dog Days In May event. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
The Belpre Heights Church set up a gift basket for vendors to donate items a guest had a chance to win on Saturday at Howes Grove Park for the Dog Days In May event. The basket included flea medicine, a leather dog carrier, treats, a metal bowl and more. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
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