The Denver Botanic Gardens goes to the dogs today. A new special event, dubbed Botanic Bow Wow, invites Denver’s doggies to stop by the upper level of the new parking facility at York Street for competitions, presentations and plenty of treat-tasting. Though dogs are not allowed inside the actual garden areas (exceptions are made for service dogs), this event is intended as a way to celebrate man’s best friend.
“Our CEO, Brian Vogt, and a lot of the people who work here are big dog lovers,” says Will Jones, public relations manager for the gardens. “We had a bring-your-dog-to-work day and had so much fun it got us thinking that it would be great to organize a dog event.”
The Bow Wow powwow is shaping up to be a combination of doggie play date and street festival. More than 30 vendors will set up shop atop the parking structure, with wares ranging from pet portraits to doggie day care and obedience training. Athletic pups can try out the on-site agility course, and competitions throughout the day will award best trick, cutest pup, best dog-owner lookalike and other honors.
For less-athletic, more gourmet-minded pooches, a doggie smorgasbord of treats and kibbles will provide plenty of excitement. “Everyone who comes will get a doggie bag with all kinds of treats to take home,” Jones says.
Owners can learn more about Denver’s dog parks from Denver Parks and Recreation or pick up ideas for veterinary or pet-sitting options from multiple vendors, and even sign up for classes on pet-friendly landscaping ideas. Dogless animal lovers will find adoption opportunities from the Denver Dumb Friends League, along with several breed-specific adoption agencies.
As an added bonus, participants in today’s Botanic Bow Wow can retain their ticket stub for free admission — sans the four-legged friends — to the Denver Botanic Gardens any time through June 30 (normally $12.50 for adults).
“This is really a way to say thank you to our neighbors and fellow dog lovers,” says Jones. “One thing we know about Denver is that people are very health-minded. We love our animals because they help you to relax and live longer, healthier lives, just like the plants and the gardens.”
Botanic Bow Wow takes place today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the upper level of the parking structure at the York St. gardens (1007 York St. ) Admission is $5 adult, $4 members and neighbors, $3 children ages 3-12. Call 720-865-3500 for information.
