POOCH (Portlanders Organizing Off-Leash Canine Habitats) had their first (hopefully annual!) Pooch Fest last Saturday Aug. 6th at the new Quarry Run Dog Park. The turnout was not as big as they had hoped, perhaps because it shared the day with the Beach to Beacon Run, or maybe because it was a brand new event, but it was a fun day for a worth while cause. Pooch needs to raise much needed funds to help pay for upkeep and park improvements to the Valley Street OLA and Quarry Run. A few of the projects that are hopefully in the works for Quarry Run are to replace the temporary plastic fence that surrounds the swamp with a a metal fence, to raise sections of the fence that are easily stepped over in the winter and to add a visual barrier to the gates. If you couldn't make it to Pooch Fest , you can still help with a donation!

A monetary gift will help maintain, improve and develop new fenced off-leash areas.

---$10 buys one foot of fencing
---$25 rents and powers one security light for one month
---$50 buys four rolls of pick up bags
---$75 buys one section of fencing
---$100 makes tails wag!
---$250 achieves the full body wag!

Make checks payable to POOCH and mail to:

POOCH
P. O. Box 7667
Portland Maine 04112-7667

Here are some pics I shot on Saturday. Unfortunately they are not my best. My camera was very temperamental due to the mixed lighting from the shade trees. It was hot that day!

Casey CGC and her owner helped me with my AKC CGC demo (thank you!) They did great!

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Casey and puppy Murphy also helped with the 'Reading your Dogs Body Language' Demo.

SMARRT Agility Club was on hand for exciting agility relay races.

Deb, a member of SMARRT and her five Italian Greyhounds!

The Comfort Height Dog Dish was a big hit. We do not yet have running water at Quarry Run. It was displayed at Pooch by Jennifer Scott of Comfort Pet Products. She designed it, patented it and manufactures them here in Maine. (jgs3223@adelphia.net 207-499-2480) Mention Pooch and receive a discount, and Jennifer will donate $5.00 to POOCH.