A big doggy do

If you are a dog lover you won't want to miss this year's pooch parade at Huble Homestead's Dog Expo.

"This annual event will happen rain or shine," said Krystal Leason, operations manager at Huble Homestead. "We're never sure what the weather is going to be doing, but the event is always quite popular."

Last year 162 dogs attended with their families for a full day of four-legged fun.

"We've got the contests," said Leason. "Biggest dog, smallest dog, best trick and best dressed as well as the Parade of Breeds, which everyone can enter."

The key to the canine consortium's success is the pets have always remained on their best behaviour, said Leason.

"As long as you bring a leash and pick up after your pet, it's never a problem to have dogs at Huble Homestead," she added. "That way the whole family can come."

The Prince George Kennel Club will at the dog expo with demonstrations, Noel Pepin, canine behaviour specialist, will be doing some obedience demonstrations and the SPCA will also be onsite.

"We have some sheep-herding demonstrations, which is very dog-reliant," said Leason.

"The dogs are really cool and people like to watch those events."

The St. John Ambulance therapy dogs program will also have representatives at the expo. The program sees well-behaved canine ambassadors and their handlers visit people who need a little puppy love while they are in hospitals, special needs programs or in long-term care facilities.

The costume contest is a lot of fun, Leason added, with many dogs dressed as fairies and ballerinas at past expos.

"My favourite was hot dog," said Leason. "And there was a Husky dressed as Rambo and he was one of my favourites too. People get really creative and some of the tricks are really good. The contest is judged through audience vote and it's pretty casual. It's not terribly competitive."

The Dog Expo is a great way to get out for the day and see some really cute dogs, said Leason. The Dog Expo will held be at Huble Homestead Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information visit www.hublehomestead.ca or call 250-564-7033.