Dog days ahead

[attach]224[/attach]It’s a cat’s worst nightmare.

Woofstock, the annual doggie free-for-all is a beloved event for dogs and dog lovers.

Now in its seventh year the free event attracts over 160,000 people and with their four-legged friends.

And who do they have to thank for Woofstock?

Well, 15-year-old Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Barkley of course.

Well, sort of.

While he was the inspiration for the outdoor festival much of it has to do with Marlene Cook, Woofstock’s founder and Barkley’s owner.

The St. Clair and Bathurst resident also believed it was time someone created a festival geared toward dogs.

“There were a lot of pet shows but there weren’t any for the ordinary household dog,” Cook said.

Due to its growth, Cook moved Woofstock to the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood a few years back.

This year’s festival — running June 13–14 — includes a dog-friendly fashion show, Stupid Dog Trick Contest, the Woofstock Ugliest Dog Contest and Mr. and Ms. Canine Canada Pageant.