Paw Palooza Makes a Splash to Benefit MSPCA, Animal Rescue League

YARMOUTH – Nearly every dog on Cape Cod will have his or her day before the weekend is out.

A celebration of all things canine is taking place at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School and gives dogs from near and far a reason to wag their tails.

The inaugural fundraiser was organized by Agway of Cape Cod, Dock Dogs and their sponsor, Blue Buffalo.

The first “Paw Palooza,” which began Saturday, features multiple demonstrations of specially trained pooches, speeches from pet professionals and a variety of vendors selling pet care products. But the highlight of the two-day event is the Dock Dogs competition.

The participating pups high-tail it for their toys, flung by owners into a 40-foot-long pool. The structure is outfitted with measurements along the walls, and a high-speed camera is used to capture exactly how far the dogs jumped.

Competitors in Dock Dog come from all over the Cape and the country, with some from as far away as Florida.

Proceeds from Paw Palooza will benefit the Animal Rescue League of Boston and MSPCA of Cape Cod.

MSPCA Director Mary Sarah Fairweather said it was incredible exposure for her organization, one which does not receive any government funding.

“I’ve never seen so many dogs in one place,” she said. “There’s something for every pet owner to learn and share with other pet owners.”

Fairweather said she expects nearly 10,000 visitors – plus a few hundred four-legged ones – will make it to the event over both days.

A suggested donation of $7 is instituted at the gate, but no matter how much visitors donate, Fairweather said it all goes towards toward the tail-wagging cause of bolstering the operating budgets of both the Centerville MSPCA shelter and Animal Rescue League’s Brewster location.

The event continues Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at D-Y Regional High School.