July 29, 2010

Dog and pony show: Dog show tickets available

Tom FinkStaff Reporter

CLAREMORE — Claremore Animal Shelter employees are looking forward to giving every dog its day next month, with the city’s inaugural “Dog Expo 2010” event.

Earlier this year, Claremore Animal Shelter employees raised the $7,500 in sponsorship needed to host the “Dog Expo.”

“This is our baby,” said Jennifer Cummings, director of the shelter. “We’re really hoping, and confident, that it’s going to be a huge success — it will be the first one like it in Claremore, with competitors coming from across the state.”

The first event of its kind in Claremore, the “Dog Expo” will be a two-day family (and dog) friendly event, featuring a variety of pet exhibitions and activities, among them: Dock Dogs (as seen on ESPN), the Oklahoma Stock Dog Association’s Herding Dog Competition, pony rides, and demonstrations from local dog trainers and the Tulsa Agility Dog Club.

“Everyone is able to participate in the Dock Dogs jumping competition,” Cummings said, “and there will be a pet parade for the cutest outfit (on a dog), cutest pet, best trick done by a pet, and ugliest dog.”

Cummings said attracting the Dock Dogs to Claremore was a “real coup” for Claremore.

“This (Dog Expo) will be the first time the Dock Dogs have had a competition in Oklahoma, and the fact that their first time in the state will be in Claremore is a huge plus for us,” she said.

Dock Dogs is the official sponsor of competitive “dog jumping” events, wherein dogs compete in jumping for distance or height from a dock into a body of water.

Additionally, within the Expo Center will be a tradeshow with local veterinarians on hand, accessories and healthy pet products, and adoptable pets from Zoi’s Animal Rescue, the Claremore Animal Shelter, and more.

Cummings also noted the positive economic impact the event is expected to make in Claremore, drawing visitors from around the city and across the state.

“We’re very excited about this and hope it becomes an annual happening — a yearly family-friendly event that people can bring their children to and just enjoy a day of fun and dog watching,” she said.

Claremore’s “Dog Expo 2010” is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, and Sunday, Aug. 29 at the Claremore Expo Center.

Tickets for Claremore’s “Dog Expo 2010” are now available at the Claremore Animal Shelter at 815 Ramm Road.