Portland’s Biggest Pet Party is May 10
OHS has its sights set on a Guinness World Record this year, when Portland’s biggest pet event of the year takes over the streets on the Portland Waterfront. An estimated 3,500 dogs will walk, trot, amble and run in the 27th annual Oregon Humane Society Doggie Dash. The event has been voted Portland’s favorite pet event by the Spot readers for six consecutive years.
In addition to aiming for a fundraising record of $500,000 for animals, OHS is hoping to break a Guinness World Record this year. “Doggie Dash is already the largest gathering of canines on the West Coast, so we thought we should be in the record books this year,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS Executive Director.
The record to break: the most dogs in costume. The record was made by 1,326 dogs who participated in the 2012 Beggin’ Pet Parade in St. Louis. OHS is expecting about 3,500 dogs at Doggie Dash, so if just half show up in costume, Portland wins!
“One of the best things about Doggie Dash is dog-watching,” says Harmon. “And with so many dogs in costume this year, it could be the most fun we’ve ever had at Doggie Dash.”
Naito Parkway is closed to cars during the Dash so pets and their peeps can enjoy a 2.5-mile run/walk down the street and across the Hawthorne and Steel bridges. A shorter 1.5 mile loop takes walkers down Naito and around Waterfront Park. The park itself is transformed into a blocks-long pet festival, with more activities than you can wag a tail at. Counting for Guinness World Record will take place at approximately 10 am at the south end of the park.
Everyone’s welcome to Dash (with or without a dog) and to enjoy a pancake breakfast, live music, vendor booths and more. All proceeds help pets at OHS. Last year, OHS found homes for 11,110 animals, the most adoptions of any single shelter in the West.
Registration is $30/advance, $35/day of. Get $3 off using the code 2014SpotDogs! To register in advance, and for costume requirements (eg, must be 2 items) from Guinness World Record, and/or costume ideas, visit Oregonhumane.org or call 503-285-7722 ext. 412. Doggie Dash is presented by Wentworth SubaruCity and Subaru of America.
You’re Invited!
What: OHS Doggie Dash
Time: On-site registration opens at 7:30am; first runners/walkers leave at 9
Place: Waterfront Park in Portland
Cost: $30 through May 8; $35 after. Kids 10 & under free with participating adult
Costumes: Not required, but every dog with two items of attire will count toward a new Guinness World Record!
Details: Oregonhumane.org * 503-285-7722 ext 412