Dog Days of Summer comes to Libertyville July 7-10

The Dog Days of Summer, featuring a variety of canine-focused competitions, promotions and activities, is coming to Libertyville July 7-10.

A highlight of the festivities is “DockDogs — Big Air Dog Jumping” Road to the National Championship 2011. Competition will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 8, and continues through the weekend until the finals on Sunday.

Practice sessions for member dogs will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, followed by “newbie night” from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., in which walk ups can practice jumping with instructors.

All jumping practices and events will be held at X-Treme Dog Park (PNC Bank parking lot) in downtown Libertyville.

“You will see speed … explosion … big air and SPLASH, as dogs run down a 40-foot dock and jump into a 27,000-gallon 20x40-foot pool,” explained Bill Kaiser, owner of Pampered Pup’z and producer of Libertyville’s Dog Days of Summer.

The event will feature more than 100 nationally ranked top jumping dogs competing for prizes and rankings. The competition is simple and exciting: the dog with the longest leap off the dock, the “Big Air Dog” wins.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, July 8, at the X-Treme Dog Park. Local Boy and Girl Scout troops will present the colors and Mayor Terry Weppler will throw out the first ball as 10 local dogs will jump for the prizes and the title of “Libertyville’s Big Air Dog.”

On Saturday, more than 40 booths will line Church Street with veterinarians, rescue groups, caricature artists, photos and other attractions.

Downtown shops will be especially dog-friendly during the event by hosting doggy-related activities such as: Touché’ Salon’s paw-nail painting and bedazzle; Trattoria Pomigliano’s owner/pet look-a-like contest; Artist at Heart dog art activities; and Rolland’s Jewelers personalized dog charms.

Dog-friendly dining will be available in Cook Park or on the patios of Egg Harbor Café, 545 North Bar & Grill, MainStreet Smokehouse, Casa Bonita, or Mickey Finn’s Brewery.

Cook Park, at Milwaukee Avenue and Cook Street, in the heart of downtown, will be the site of merchant-sponsored family/dog-oriented events throughout the weekend.

Attractions include a demonstration by the Lake County Sheriff’s K-9’s unit; a doggies fashion show; pet parade; games; breakfast in the park with your pup and more.

Live music also will be featured.

Liberty Town Productions will present a preview of its Summer Musical Showcase, and on Sunday morning St. Lawrence Episcopal Church will have a pet blessing ceremony.

Dog Days of Summer is produced by Pampered Pup’z and sponsored by MainStreet Libertyville, PNC Bank, Libertyville-Mile of Cars and Petranek’s Pharmacy.

Visit www.pamperedpupz.com or call (847) 327-9300 for a complete schedule of events.