Young or old, big or small, dogs and their human companions filled Margaret T. Hance Park on Saturday morning to partake in the first Phoenix Police and Parks, Pups Festival.
The Phoenix Police Foundation and the Phoenix Parks Foundation spent several months planning Saturday’s festivities, including arranging for a project manager to reach out to vendors and sponsors. Approximately 25 animal-friendly vendors tabled and sponsored the festival, including Halo Animal Rescue, Starbucks and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Other cities put on similar events like this,” said Phoenix police Sgt. Trent Crump, who assisted in the organization of the festival. “We wanted to really get the community involved and out to enjoy the nice 70-degree weather.”
All donations from Saturday’s events will be split between the two foundations for future community-based events and other city necessities that aren’t budgeted.
The morning kicked off with a 1.5 mile-long Fun Dog Walk, which many attendees participated in. The festival included live performances by local artists throughout the day, including an Elvis Presley impersonator who covered the hit song “Hound Dog.”
The 43rd Avenue Animal Hospital gave all canine attendees complimentary oral assessments and informed owners of the importance of good dental health, which can also be connected to heart health. Others like Nicole McIntyre, the hospital’s marketing manager, also handed out goodie bags worth up to $100 per bag, filled with food, treats and vouchers for exams.
A number of K-9 demonstrations, agility and obedience performances from volunteer dogs took place in the middle of the festival. Volunteers from the police department, Halo and the Humane Society also walked adoptable puppies and engaged with many of the attendees.
“We always try to have a presence at animal-friendly events,” said Ann Herycyk, a volunteer for the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA. The league is the first no-kill shelter in Arizona.
The festivities came to a close with a contest to name the pup on the event’s logo. Down to the names Badges and Justice, McGruff the Crime Dog flipped a coin for the winning name. In the toss, heads was the victor, and Badges was chosen to be the new mascot name for the soon-to-be annual festival.
Diana Calvo, a graduate student pursuing a doctorate degree in environmental engineering at ASU, attended the pup-friendly festivities with her 9-month-old golden retriever, Calipso. Calvo adopted her dog 7 months ago from a local breeder and said she wants to adopt another golden retriever soon.
“I brought her out here to introduce her to other dogs and to just have fun,” Calvo said.
Calvo added that Calipso, described as playful and full of energy, seemed to enjoy her interactions with other friendly dogs and plans to return next year.
“We never expected this positive of a turnout,” said James Holmes, Phoenix Police Department public information officer, in an event-closing statement. “We love (the residents) for supporting the police and parks and recreation.”
Contact the reporter at kkondrat@asu.edu
