Dog days in Palmer

Dogs are well loved in Palmer. You see them walking the sidewalks, using the crosswalks, and enjoying the sun. Dog owners love this area for so many reasons, including the ability to socialize their animals on the periphery of summer concerts, markets, green spaces and festivals. It is a doggie nirvana on the mountain trails, open fields, bog walks and river banks. Palmer dog people are everywhere. Many businesses are well stocked with treats and biscuits to welcome and reward their dog consumers. The City recognizes dogs not only with the Balto statue but with the installation of convenient and well-used doggie poop bag dispensaries.

Doggie Services—Palmer has some tremendous dog vets, breeders, groomers, suppliers, doggie day-care centers, and trainers. There are classes and schools to improve one’s ability to work with their dogs. There are dog camps and dog-diving classes in the Palmer area. There is a pet crematory in Palmer. The Mat Su Animal Shelter has an abundance of animals for rescue. Other dog rescue groups also offer lovely canines and puppies for those committed to dog ownership or partnership. There are dog foster groups and assistance groups. There are animal blessings periodically through out the year and well-behaved dogs are totally accepted and appreciated in our community.

Big Week for Dogs—This is a big week for all dogs, both local and visitors. The large four day state dog shows are happening out the Glenn Highway at the Alaska State Fair grounds. If you haven’t attended, you might think about going this year. It’s very easy to stay socially distanced and responsibly safe at a large outside event like this.

Little Cuties—Thursday is the day for the little cuties. It’s the Toy Dog show with chihuahuas, papillons, poodles, and pugs. These tiny guys often have more attitude and sass than the big dogs. And their owners are really interesting as well. This show is produced by the Toy Dog Show of Alaska. You will see prancing and proud puppies who actually seem to know that they are in competitive contests.

Bigger Specific Dogs—Also on Thursday is the Non-Sporting Dogs. This includes bulldogs, dalmations and Boston terriers. It’s interesting to see specific breeds of dogs. And this is your chance to admire girth, coloring, and healthy bred features. And there is also the Hound Dogs on Thursday with the Alaska Hound Group Association. These include the very vocal Basset hounds, beagles, blood hounds. Also worthy are the coonhounds, deerhounds, elkhounds, grey hounds and dachshunds and many other hounds.

All Breeds on All days—Friday, Saturday and Sunday will entertain all AKC breeds. This is a huge collection of a variety of dogs. The Corona Virus has caused many a cancellation in the dog world this year. However, because of the nature and draw of Palmer’s open air fair grounds, this dog show will be a well-appreciated go. This is the Cook Inlet Kennel Club Show which is such a beautiful and well organized jamboree of dogs. There will be obedience, showmanship and rally trials. You will see dogs of every flavor. It is all outside in the fresh air and physical distancing is perfectly possible.

If you are a Palmer Dog Lover, this is is the weekend of fun. Check online for specifics and timings of competitions and events. Please be safe and keep your distance so we all can enjoy dog friendly events. Dogs aren’t scared of face masks and we should not be either!

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Her “Palmer Buzz Community Calendar” is available at Palmer shops and the Palmer museum. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222