Doggie Dash romps into Sisters August 29

Sisters Doggie Dash & Stroll romps into town Saturday, August 29.

Dogs of every conceivable size, shape and variety are congregating for what is sure to become a legendary happening for years to come.

The wild, tail-waving event is a charity fundraiser at Sisters High School to benefit the Bend Spay and Neuter Project, a low- and no-cost pet clinic that services over 4,000 cats and dogs per year.

Every year in Deschutes County and throughout the country, thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized due to overpopulation. The Bend Spay and Neuter Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end pet homelessness in Deschutes County. Proceeds from Sisters Doggie Dash & Stroll (in addition to donations and vendor fees) will go to help achieve that goal.

The highlight of the morning will be the 5K Doggie Dash and the two-mile stroll. The competitive folks will dash with their canine companions, while the rest of us will stroll or jog with our dog at our own pace. The Dash/Stroll begins at 9 a.m. with early check-in starting at 8 a.m. The Free Canine Carnival will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and all are welcome.

Scott Buckles, the event's founder and organizer, is dedicated to making the Doggie Dash a howling success.

"Posters are all over town and we're gearing up for an incredible day," he said. "Nothing like this has ever been attempted. We want everybody to come out and participate and support this great cause and have fun with their dogs."

There will be musical entertainment, food booths, and dog-related merchandise in a festive vendor's alley featuring Groomingdales, Sisters Coffee Company, a play-zone with pet pools from Central Bark, Sisters Feed & Supply, Spindrift pet collars and leashes, Bend Pet Express, Waggin' Tails Mobile Dog Grooming, Kindred Spirit Pet Care, Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club, and FurBulous Dog organic pet shampoos.

Sisters Veterinary Clinic will be attending with first-aid tips for your furry friend and providing discount micro-chipping for pet ID. Deschutes County Humane Society will be there with adoption dogs and loaners to stroll with for dog-less folks. DonTerra Art Works, a dog-centric local art gallery, will also be displaying some of their creative wares.

Fees for each dog entered will be $25 and include a "Doggie Bag" registration package with an official race number, a metal "Doggie Dash" collar tag, dog food samples, organic treats, waste clean-up mitts and more.

"Doggie Dash" event T-shirts commemorating the historic occasion will be for sale as well as an on-site photographer capturing the day's memories. Plus door prizes, giveaways, demonstrations, activities, and the inevitable organized madness sure to occur at a gathering of this size and scope.

Sisters Doggie Dash & Stroll has teamed up with several local businesses to offer Doggie Dashers lodging, food and entertainment deals. Look in your "Doggie Bag" for coupons and special offers from all sorts of stores in town. Many dog-friendly restaurants have decks and patios where well-behaved woofers are welcome to hang out with their people.

Buckles thinks the time is ripe for the Doggie Dash, and invites everyone to join in the celebration.

"This is a brand-new signature event for Sisters, and the only way it can take off and grow is for the community to all come out and kick it off right," he said. "We need a concerted effort to get your leash and dog and come out for a day in the sun with man's best friends. It's for anyone who cares about pets in general, not just dogs. This is an easy and inexpensive way to show your support and help the Bend Spay and Neuter Project. We want the Doggie Dash to be as synonymous with Sisters as rodeo and quilting."

Pre-registration can be done online at http://www.sistersdoggiedash.com or pick up a registration card around town at Sisters Feed, Groomingdales, Sisters Video or the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 549-4783.