Story by Kelly Stewart
Staff Writer
Video by Brian Hwu
Photographer, Graphic Designer
For many, Petoberfest is a way to get together with friends, eat food and see dogs in costumes. But for Coppell High School students, Petoberfest offers an opportunity to help pets and have some fun at the same time.
Petoberfest is an annual celebration hosted by the North Dallas Veterinary Hospital in order to aid local no-kill shelters and give their customers a fun event to attend and thank them for their patronage. It was held at the hospital on Oct. 24, and events included obstacle course demonstrations, a dunking booth for the head doctors, a caricature artist and a costume contest for the dogs.
Also attending the carnival were representatives from companies that make pet medicine as well as an obedience school which, in the middle of the event, demonstrated a dog running through an agility obstacle course. The tables they occupied were covered with free gifts to entice potential customers into coming over and learning about the facility.
Pet owners from around the city came with their dogs to celebrate. Cristi Denham, a client of the North Dallas Veterinary Hospital, attended for the second year in a row.
“It’s fun,” Denham said. “Chloe, my dog, likes to be around the excitement, all the other dogs, and all the games and pictures and caricatures, it’s a lot of fun.”
Of course, Petoberfest is about the pets, and many dog owners like Denham enjoy the communal atmosphere that Petoberfest provides. Almost everyone in attendance brought a dog, and most of these were dressed in costumes for the costume judging contest.
Representatives from local shelters were also in attendance. One such shelter was K9Kat2, which showcased adoptable dogs at their booth as well as information about the shelter.
“We have three rescue groups, and all of the money that’s raised with the caricatures, the dunking booth, and the silent auction, all of the money goes towards them,” head doctor Terry Ford said. “And they have dogs for adoption here. It’s also a way to thank our clients for all of their years and a celebration of our clients and doctors.”
For CHS students, Petoberfest offers a great service hour opportunity. Members of the P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Worth Saving) Club had the opportunity to volunteer to set up and help with running events.
“I really just went because I thought it would be fun,” P.A.W.S. member Terra McCowin said. “And it was really cool seeing all the different kinds of dogs.”
The North Dallas Veterinary Hospital needed all the help it could get.
“Altogether I would say it takes about three months [to plan the event],” Jenifer Evans, one of the veterinarians of the hospital, said.
For those who missed the event this year, have no fear: the event is annual and open to anyone, not just the patrons of the veterinary clinic. All of the proceeds of Petoberfest go to no-kill animal shelters in the Dallas area, and since it is sponsored by the companies that come and advertise at the event, admission is free.
