A brand-new festival is coming to Panther Creek Park, September 20-22.
Pups in the Park will feature a dock diving competition, American Kennel Club (AKC) events, trainer demonstrations, animal rescue organizations, food trucks, and kids’ activities. A complete list of activities may be found below. Pups in the Park is sponsored by Visit Owensboro with support from Kentucky DockDogs, the Owensboro River City Kennel Club, and Daviess County Fiscal Court.
Friday, September 20
5 p.m. Meet & Greet
Come out to Panther Creek Park for a Friday night social event, meet some of the Kentucky DockDogs members and their dogs. Food trucks include: Torera Hibachi & Uncle G’s Lemon Smashers & More.
Saturday, September 21
7:30 a.m. Check-In – Fast CAT®
Fast CAT® – which stands for Coursing Ability Test – is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. Registration required through the Owensboro River City Kennel Club.
8 a.m. Temporary Dog Park & Splash Park Open
Diggers Dog Park may be found near the park entrance, with two separate areas for large dogs and small dogs. For the first time ever, the spray park will be open to dogs at Panther Creek Park!
8 a.m. Food Trucks & Vendors Available
Shop for pet-specific items and choose from a wide variety of food vendors: Acropolis Express, Aja’leena’s LLC, CLN Creations, Freaky Tiki Shaved Ice, Frogtown Foods, Hillbilly’s BBQ, Kona Ice, Taqueria La Bendicion De Dios, Riverfront Apparel Company, Rollin Smoke BBQ, Silver Schnauzer, The Cottage, Torera Hibachi, Wave of Serenity, Daviess County Public Library, Bellevue Baptist Church.
8 a.m. Big Air® – Wave 1
Big Air® is the long jump of canine aquatics. Taking place on a 36’ dock and pool, the competing dog will run and jump into the water after a throw toy is tossed. Distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set breaks the water’s surface. Registration required through Kentucky DockDogs.
8 a.m. Fast CAT® Trial
Owensboro River City Kennel Club
8:30 a.m. First Aid Demonstration
Learn how to prepare a first aid kit for your dog with Jan Dillon, PetTech Instructor #2238. This is a free class.
9 a.m. Big Air® – Wave 2
Kentucky DockDogs
9 a.m. AKC Temperament Test (ATT) & Fetch
AKC Temperament Test (ATT) is a general temperament test that will assess the dog’s reaction to a variety of stimuli. AKC Fetch tests a dog’s ability to retrieve an object (a bumper or ball). Registration required through the Owensboro River City Kennel Club.
10 a.m. Microchip Clinic
Daviess County Animal Care & Control will offer a discounted microchip clinic at the Lakeview Shelter from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A special rate of $10 per pet will be offered for Pups in the Park. Contact the Animal Shelter with any questions at 270-685-8275 or email dcacanimals@yahoo.com.
10 a.m. Saving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky
SparKY will provide nail trimming, ear cleaning, and anal gland expressions for a donation at the Lakeview Shelter.
10 a.m. Pet Tech CPR & First Aid Training
A hands-on training in how to administer the three types of CPR for dogs and cats, rescue breathing, plus how to relieve choking. This program offers a two-year certification and 40-page handbook. The cost of the pet CPR class is $100. For more information and/or to register for this class, please call Jan Dillon, PetTech Instructor #2238 at 270-791-6527.
10 a.m. Meet & Greets – Pets Available for Adoption
Find your forever friend! SparKY will facilitate meet and greets with dogs that are available for adoption.
10 a.m. Parkour Demonstration
Dog parkour combines elements of human parkour and dog agility to create an accessible activity for all dogs and humans alike. Dogs get introduced to the world of jumping, climbing, balancing, going over, crawling under, and going around different obstacles in their everyday world. This free demonstration is provided by Sandy Webster. Learn more at https://www.dogparkour.org.
10:30 a.m. Dog Trick Training
A free demonstration and competition from Mandy Miller, owner of Positive First Dog Training. Awards will be given for most impressive trick and best-behaved dog.
11:30 a.m. Inflatables & Foam Factory Open
The free kids’ zone will be open with inflatables, games, and a foam factory experience for dogs and children, courtesy of Daniel The Balloon Guy.
11:30 a.m. Try It – Dock Diving
Take your water-loving dog dock diving! Try It at Panther Creek Park with Kentucky DockDogs. Bring the following items: 4-6 ft. leash, water for your dog, towels, a toy that floats, and a canopy tent or fan depending on the weather. Please note, prong and e-collars are not allowed on the dock. A flat collar is recommended. Contact kydockdogs@gmail.com to sign up or click here. There is a $15 fee to participate in the Try It session with your dog. Kentucky DockDogs will sponsor registration for youth, ages 7-16.
1 p.m. Parkour Demonstration
Sandy Webster
1 p.m. Fast CAT®, ATT & Fetch – Continued
Owensboro River City Kennel Club
1:30 p.m. Big Air® – Wave 3
Kentucky DockDogs
3 p.m. Big Air® – Wave 4
Kentucky DockDogs
5 p.m. Extreme Vertical®
Extreme Vertical is the high jump of canine aquatics, where the dog starts at the 20’ mark and pursues a bumper toy extended 8’ from the end of the dock over the water. The starting height for Extreme Vertical is 4’6” and goes up in 2” increments as competition progresses. Registration required through Kentucky DockDogs.
sunday, september 22
7:30 a.m. Check-In – Fast CAT®
Owensboro River City Kennel Club
8 a.m. Temporary Dog Park & Splash Park Open
Diggers, Inc. – Daviess County Parks & Recreation
8 a.m. Food Trucks & Vendors Available
Shop for pet-specific items and choose from a wide variety of food vendors: Aja’leena’s LLC, Silver Schnauzer, Riverfront Apparel, Frogtown Foods, Acropolis Express, Kona Ice, Wave of Serenity, Rollin Smoke BBQ, La Bendicion De Dios, Momma T’s Sweet Treats & More.
8 a.m. Fast CAT® Trial
Owensboro River City Kennel Club
9 a.m. Big Air® – Wave 5
Kentucky DockDogs
9 a.m. AKC Temperament Test (ATT) & Fetch
Owensboro River City Kennel Club
10 a.m. Pet Tech CPR & First Aid Training
Jan Dillon
10 a.m. Parkour Demonstration
Sandy Webster
10:30 a.m. Big Air® – Wave 6
Kentucky DockDogs
12 p.m. Big Air® – Wave 7
Kentucky DockDogs
1 p.m. Fast CAT®, ATT & Fetch – Continued
Owensboro River City Kennel Club
1 p.m. Parkour Demonstration
Sandy Webster
2 p.m. Speed Retrieve®
Speed Retrieve is a timed event. At the far end of the pool, a bumper toy is suspended 2” above the water with a starting indicator light above it. When the light turns green, the handler releases the dog to jump into the pool and pull the toy from the Speed Retrieve bracket. Registration required through Kentucky DockDogs.
4:30 p.m. Big Air® – Finals
Kentucky DockDogs
