A French bulldog waits his turn in line for his vaccination at the 14th annual Dog Days in May. The event was held at Howes State Park in Belpre. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

BELPRE – Dog owners from in and out of town gathered at Howes State Park in Belpre for the 14th annual Dog Days in May on Saturday.

From noon to 4 p.m., attendees had an opportunity to get their furry companions free shots, new accessories, chew toys, food and treats, and time spent in the park soaking up the sun with the other dogs.

Despite the rain at the start of the event, hundreds of people braved the rain to give their dog some extra special treatment and enrichment time.

Put on by Belpre Heights Church, the event gives dog owners a chance to access all the care their canine could need from free shots to dog training and more in partnership with local veterinarians and the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley.

Church volunteer and organizer of the event, Donna Ingraham said the event was similar to last year but due to rain, there were fewer vendors in attendance.

A doodle and a Huskey enjoy the afternoon outside at Howes State Park for the 14th annual Dog Days in May on Saturday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

She said owners could visit vendors such as dog trainers, obedience groups, nail trim stations and more.

Band of Canines LLC was in attendance for their 11th year at Dog Days in May. Owned by master trainer and retired U.S. Army member Amanda Ingraham, said they were offering a wide range of services and items.

“We do a lot of different things,” she said. “We do training service dog work.”

Their services include basic and advanced obedience, off-leash training, aggression rehabilitation, and behavioral modification training for dogs.

“We partner with Boxers Bed & Biscuits and they’ve really helped us out. We have a great relationship with them,” she said.

Two dogs approach each other at the 14th annual Dog Days in May on Saturday. The event was held at Howes State Park in Belpre. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

She said they’ve been with Boxers for about seven years.

“I’ve been working with dogs since the military and it’s a passion, I can’t stop,” said Ingraham.

Natasha and Corey Davis, former residents of Belpre who now reside in Athens, said last year was their first time attending the event.

“We come here for the vaccines,” said Natasha. “We have Leo and Zack with us today.”

She said they had heard about the event online and decided to bring their dogs to check it out and they’ve been attending ever since.

A group of dogs hangout at Howes State Park in Belpre Saturday for the 14th annual Dog Days in May event. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Attendees could stop by for a few treats and goodies with their dog or stay for the afternoon and participate in the variety of competitions and themed-activities. There was a treat walk game, tail wagging contest, best trick contest, look-a-like contest and Simon says games throughout the early afternoon.

Ingraham said the Washington County Dog Warden provided more information for dog owners about Ohio House Bill 247, known as Avery’s Law. The law, which was made effective March 20, stated definitions of a “vicious or dangerous dog” and the penalties if the dog caused substantial harm to an individual.

The bill defines penalties and offenses such as monetary fines or “destruction” of the dog depending on the severity of the offense.

Ingraham said the bill impacts dog owners and shelters so it’s important for people to understand what it means. There were flyers provided during Dog Days in May for people to learn more about the bill and what it means for the community.

To read more about HB 247 visit www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/

A girl holds her chihuahua in her lap while he waits for his vaccinations during the 14th annual Dog Days in May event. The event was held at Howes State Park on Saturday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com