Gallery|1 Photos

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Dog lovers and their furry friends can attend the 12th annual Dog Days of Glendale event in Old Town Glendale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 26.

Murphy Park, located at 7010 N. 58th Ave., will welcome back the event in-person for the first time since 2020. Masks and vaccinations are not mandatory to attend.

“The event is held at Murphy Park, an outdoor setting where humans and their four-legged friends can discover over 45 exhibitors bringing a wide variety of pet-related products, services and activities,” said Linda Moran-Whittley, co-organizer of the event.

Event highlights include local food vendors, pet adoptions, K-9 demonstrations, a mobile pet gym, free dog treats, an opportunity to meet miss Glendale 2022, and a dog obstacle course brought to the event by Bark Busters Home Dog Training, one of the event’s top sponsors.

“This challenging yet fun zone is a basic agility course that our four-legged friends will be able to lead their humans through with a trainer by their side. Bark Busters will have three trainers on site to assist the duo through a series of obstacles from the starting line to the finish. Truly an event favorite!” Moran-Whittley said.

The event will also feature a variety of food options for attendees. “‘Glendale Eats,’ an exclusive Dog Days experience, is a unique pop-up café in the park where several local eateries will accept food orders and deliver them promptly to be enjoyed by the guests in the park with their pets,” Moran-Whittley said.

Complimentary frosty paws frozen dog treats, courtesy of Papa Ed’s Ice Cream, will be available, as well as samples of homemade dog treats from vendors, and a variety of fun and necessary pet accessories.

Another event highlight is a raffle table where guests can enter to win pet-related prizes, including a dog massage, pet portraits, doggie goodie baskets, and a variety of gift certificates.

“All proceeds from the raffle will go to benefit Animals and Humans in Disaster, Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry,” Moran-Whittley said.

Animals and Humans in Disaster is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides assistance for people and animals in crisis. In 2015 alone, they donated $766,988 in pet food and supplies to local Arizonans experiencing crisis or hardship. Donations can be made by visiting their website.

“I look forward to this event every year. I always go, and last year I adopted my dog, Holly, from them. We were so bummed when we couldn’t attend in 2020, but we are excited they are back. This year, I am considering adopting another dog for Holly, if she finds one she likes,” Amanda Davis said.

Sponsors of the event include the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and Glendale Vice Mayor Jamie Aldama.

If you found this article informative, please be sure to subscribe to The Voice to get GCC and local news every week, emailed straight to your inbox.