Centenoka Park Mall is going to the dogs this weekend.
Vernon and District Kennel Club members will bring approximately 20 different purebred breeds to the mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.
“It’s an opportunity for people to meet the breeds, be hands-on with dogs and talk to breeders and owners,” says club rep Sherrie Van Dusen, noting half the kennel club members are from Salmon Arm.
The event, the first of what Van Dusen hopes will become an annual affair, is also a chance for people to talk and ask questions in a more relaxed atmosphere to see if a breed is a suitable fit for their family or lifestyle.
There will be a mini dog show and several demonstrations, including obedience, trick dog demo and nose work – picking out something from sevveral items based on scent.
“The purpose is to show people that there is so much that you can do with your dog that’s fun and that we’re not snooty purebred dog breeders,” laughs dog-lover Van Dusen, who lives in Gleneden with purebred Bernese mountain dogs and a newfie-golden lab cross. “Most of us have a mutt or two; we’re an organization that loves dogs. We’re approachable and friendly.”