Woofa-Roo Pet Festival draws dogs and their owners to Libro Centre

Windsor Police K-9 unit conducts a demonstration on Sunday.

Dogs were jumping, chasing, walking, running, barking and having all kinds of fun over the weekend at the Libro Centre.

The Woofa-Roo Pet Festival returned this past weekend, several weeks earlier than it is usually held to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Dock diving, dog luring, Windsor police K-9 demonstrations, hunting dog demonstrations, the Border City Barkers, vendors, and more were featured during the two-day festival.

Lorene Clayton, who leads organizational efforts, was pleased how the event went.

Despite cool temperatures and wind, people still came out on Saturday and even more attended Sunday.

“We had a pretty cold start to it,” she said. “(Sunday) made up for it.”

Clayton said she was unaware of any incidents and that dogs and their owners were well behaved, Indoor events were well attended with outdoor attractions also drawing big crowds.

“Everyone seems happy and healthy,” she said.

Whether the festival maintains its earlier dates still remains to be seen, with Clayton stating a number of factors have to come together to present the festival. Those include the availability of the attractions like dock diving, dog luring, the Border City Barkers among others.

There were a couple of changes that had to be made, as the Clydesdale horses that were planned were unable to attend. Clayton added they hope to bring them back in the future.

“This is our third time,” said Donna Maclam, who brought her dog Ridge down from Pontypool, Ontario for the event.

Maclam said they travel to various festivals and events with their dog. She said Woofa-Roo is a bit more relaxed than other events but she thought that was a nice touch.

Donna Maclam and her dog Ridge came to Amherstburg from Pontypool, Ontario for the Woofa-Roo Pet Festival.

“It’s just fun for us and fun for the dog,” said Maclam. “It’s a little bit lower key, which is always nice. It’s a family-friendly type of environment. It’s all about the dogs.”

Wendy Linklater and dog Josie came from the northern Ontario community of Capreol but she has a family connection to this area.

“My parents live in McGregor,” said Linklater. “I come back to visit my parents and family.”

Linklater said it was her third time to the Woofa-Roo Pet Festival.

“It’s great. It’s amazing,” said Linklater. “We pulled in here. (Josie) saw the pool and I couldn’t control her.”

Linklater said her dog gets excited near water, noting she grew up near it but they have since moved, meaning the festival is one of the few times she gets to dive in. 

Sheena Vandenbergh of Flamborough, Ontario and her dog Dynamite added they have followed dock diving to Amherstburg. She said they do other types of events like special venues and training facilities but not as many festivals in recent years.

“It’s fun,” said Vandenbergh.

Vandenbergh quipped they usually think it’s too hot but they were cold on Saturday morning with the date change.

Meghan Leardi of Amherstburg brought her dog to the festival and enjoyed it.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I’ve been here before.” 

Noting she likes being around the people and their dogs, Leardi added she enjoys coming out and checking out what is happening.

“I think it’s a really nice event they put on every year,” she said.

Woofa-Roo Pet Festival draws dogs and their owners to Libro Centre

By Ron Giofu