Libertyville's Dog Days of Summer offers fun for dogs and owners alike
The seventh annual Dog Days of Summer celebration will come to downtown Libertyville with activities for both humans and canines taking place Thursday, July 9, through Sunday, July 12.
The event combines family-friendly and educational activities in Libertyville's Cook Park and the annual DockDogs dog jumping exhibition and competition, presented by Pampered Pup'z.
The DockDogs activities will take place Thursday through Sunday at the X-Treme Dog Park in the parking lot of the PNC Bank at 325 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The event features 150 nationally ranked dogs that run down a 40-foot dock and jump into a 27,000 gallon pool, competing in the Big Air Long Jump, Xtreme Vertical High Jump, and Speed Retrieve timed Jump and Swim events.
Local dogs will also have a chance to take part in a Fun Jump from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, with registration opening at noon. Ten dogs will be selected from the Fun Jump to compete in the Local Competition after the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Friday.
The jumping begins with registration and practice at noon Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with the final competitions of the day beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Scheduled events in Cook Park include the DockDogs opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Friday, July 10, followed by activities on Saturday, July 11, including a Lake County Sheriff's K-9 demonstration at noon, a Doggie Fashion Show at 1 p.m., a pet parade at 1:30 p.m. games at 2 p.m. and yoga at 2:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, July 12, including a multi-faith pet blessing at 11:30 a.m., Exercise with Your Pup at noon and the Dog Pie Hurl at 1 p.m. Over 30 vendors expected to attend.
The celebration also coincides with Save-A-Pet Adoption Center's Petathlon, a 3k dog walk to raise funds for the no-kill animal shelter on July 12. On-site registration for the walk begins at 8 a.m. with the walk starting at 9:30 a.m. Cost to take part is $35 for adults, $20 for children under 17. For details or to register in advance, visit petathlon.org.
For more information about Dog Days of Summer, visit pamperedpupz.com/dog-days-of-summer. php.