Lifestyle

Dug Up at Dogster August 2020 Dog Events

Check out these pawesome August 2020 dog events and activities, bound to keep your summer sizzling with fun, whether outdoors, virtually or snuggling on the couch with your pooch. Don’t see your August 2020 dog event? Email us at Dogstermag@belvoir.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Some dog events may have gone virtual, been changed or cancelled due to COVID-19. Please check the event organizer for the latest information on the event.

ALL MONTH

National Immunization Awareness Month

Through August 31, 2020: Safewise.com Silliest Pets Contest

SafeWise is looking for America’s funniest pets to help test pet cameras. Two winners will get paid $1000 and receive a new pet camera from top-rated options here. Who should apply: If your feed floods with likes and shares every time you post a pic or video of your pet, you may be an ideal candidate. SafeWise is looking for tech-savvy animal owners who have a silly pet with star power. If selected, you choose a pet camera to test for one month. All you need to do is set it up, start capturing footage of your pet, send SafeWise your best clips, fill out two short surveys, and post about your experience to social media. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, August 30, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. MST. Winners to be announced on September 8. Find more information and submit your application at https://www.safewise.com/silly-pet-video-contest/

Enter August 6, 2020 – September 6, 2020: 15th Annual Surf Dog Virtual Surf-A-Thon

It’s back — but catching the wave virtually — Helen Woodward’s 15thAnnual Surf Dog Virtual Surf-A-Thon.

Helen Woodward Animal Center announces the 15^thAnnual Surf Dog Virtual Surf-A-Thon, presented by Blue Buffalo. Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon returns with surfing competitors submitting from anywhere on the globe – making this year’s contest a truly worldwide phenomenon! Register in one of five weight classes for the virtual surf contest, sponsored by Petco Foundation, and submit videos of your Surf Dog’s best wave between 8/6-9/6. Beginning the week of September 7^th, a panel of judges consisting of celebrities, surf pros and aficionados will analyze the surFUR “best wave” videos for length of ride, wave technique, and enthusiasm and confidence on the board. SurFUR pups can also opt to register for Petco’s Freestyle surf competition where costumes, flair and creativity points weigh in beyond mere athleticism. The surFUR competitors’ “best wave” videos will appear in a gallery on the Center’s website and viewers can vote for their favorite surfing dog. The dog with the most votes will win the “People’s Choice Surfing Dog” award. All video footage will be compiled into an official Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon video, to be made available for viewing on Sunday, September 13th.Winners announced on Sunday, September 13^th as well, including: winners of each weight category; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Best in Surf; the Freestyle Surfing Champ; the People’s Choice Surfing Dog; and the top Couch Surfing Photo contest winner. Non-surFURs can also participate by entering the Couch Surfing Photo Contest, sponsored by Naturally Fresh, and by creating a fundraising page to support the orphan pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center! SurFUR pups entry for the 15th Annual Surf Dog Virtual Surf-A-Thon “Best Wave” Contest is $25. SurFUR pups entry for the Free-Style Surf Contest is $15. Entry for the virtual Couch Surfing Photo Contest is $5. Those who wish to give without surfing can sign up on the registration page. For more information or to register, visit https://animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon or call 858-756-4117 x 350.

Zoetis Itchy pet Awareness Month

Zoetis encourages pet owners and veterinarians to discuss skin allergies during its second annual Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Since 2013, itchy dog veterinarian visits have increased 50% and 7.5 million dogs were diagnosed with pruritus (itch) in 2019 alone. As more pet owners are home during COVID-19, they may notice their pets are itching and scratching on a daily basis. Frequent scratching can often indicate a more serious skin condition. With that in mind, Zoetis is raising awareness about this common medical condition, and calling on pet owners and veterinarians to discuss the severity of this issue and how treating it faster can significantly improve pets’ lives. As dog owners become more aware of their pets’ skin allergies, Zoetis encourages them to visit ItchingForHelp.com to learn more and to take the itch quiz to identify “when an itch is more than just an itch.” Veterinarians can download the Itchy Pet Awareness Month Practice Toolkit at ScienceofStrongerBonds.com/resources to promote the importance of skin health in their clinics this August. Social media posts, emails to send to clients, downloadable posters and much more are also included in the toolkit.

July 22, 2020 — September 23, 2020: MAF Accepting Grant Proposals for Newfoundland Forelimb Anomaly Study

The Morris Animal Foundation is accepting proposals for pilot studies of Newfoundland forelimb anomaly through Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 4:59 p.m. EST. Newfoundland forelimb anomaly is an often debilitating condition in this breed. The request is part of the Foundation’s Donor-Inspired Study program, which allows individual donors and foundations to directly support research topics for which they have a passion and there is a pressing need. The grant is funded by the Newfoundland Club of America Charitable Trust (NCA Charitable Trust). All investigators are eligible to apply, but studies must be limited to one year in duration and budgets cannot exceed $10,000. Competitive applicants will have a previous record of research and publication in relevant areas of canine and/or orthopedic research. Applications will be reviewed and rated, based on impact and scientific rigor, by a Morris Animal Foundation scientific advisory board. Interested researchers can lean more and apply for the award here.

July 25, 2020 — August 8, 2020: America’s VetDogs Virtual 6^th Annual Long Island Run & Dog Walk

Make a difference in the lives of veterans one step at a time by walking or running in this fun fundraiser. Rate is $20 to register. You’ll receive a confirmation message with app to download and track your mileage. America’s VetDogs encourages all participants to fundraise by asking family, friends and colleagues to sponsor your efforts. All proceeds assist America’s VetDogs mission to help veterans with disabilities live a life without boundaries. More at vetdogs.org.

August 1, 2020 — August 31, 2020: Clear the Shelters Campaign

NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations (NBC and Telemundo owned stations) are running their 6^th annual adoption event — Clear the Shelters. This year, the stations’ month-long “Adopt & Donate” effort features virtual pet adoptions plust make it easy for people to donate online to participating shelters/rescues. Since 2015, NBC and Telemundo owned stations’ Clear The Shelters campaign has helped more than 410,000 pets find new homes. Visit ClearTheShelters.com for more information. Follow on Twitter @ClearTheShelter, and on social media using the hashtags #ClearTheShelters and #DesocuparLosAlbergues.

All month: Superpower Dogs Streaming on Hulu

SUPERPOWER Dogs Livestreaming on HULU now.

IMAX original documentary, SUPERPOWER DOGS is now available to stream on Hulu. SuperPower Dogs is an inspiring true story, about the life-saving superpowers and extraordinary bravery of five of the world’s most amazing dogs. Dutch Shepherd, Halo and her human partner Fire Captain Cat Labrada of Miami Dade are members of one the of the most elite search and rescue teams in America, Florida Task Force 1. Golden retriever, Ricochet surfs with veterans with PTSD and kids with special needs, mentoring through canine assisted surfing, swimming, playing and therapy. More at superpowerdogs.com.

August 1, 2020 DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs

Unfortunately we don’t know our dog’s true birthdays if they were adopted from a shelter or rescue. But don’t worry, this day was picked for a universal birthday for all shelter dogs. Give your dogs an extra treat, walk and maybe even throw a pup party. Looking for something to make for your dog? Try a Puppy Puddin’ Parfait.

The World Dog Surfing Championship has been postponed to July 31, 2021.

POSTPONED: August 1, 2020 World Dog Surfing Championships

Organizers and TasteTV have decided to postpone the event to July 31, 2021. Even though surfers can maintain social distancing, the event creators cannot guarantee that attendees, partner and judges will be able to distance. See surfdogchampionships.com for latest details.

Alyssa and Andre compete at the Hamptons Barking Beauty Pageant.

August 9, 2020: 3rd Annual Hamptons Barking Beauty Pageant

Held at 4pm at Mustique at Hampton House, 3 Glovers Lane, Westhampton Beach, NY, this pet fashion, talent and rescue extravaganza features the cutest dogs in the Hamptons! Area businesses, and Kennedy Art Productions join forces to help raise the money needed by RSVP Animal Welfare and Rescue Group to save and rehabilitate abused and neglected area pets, and to help fund the WHB PAC Nancy & Frederick DeMatteis Arts Academy and their young performers. The 3rd Annual, 2020 Hamptons Barking Beauty Pageant will mark the 15th pageant event overall. The original beauty pageant event for dogs, it is patterned after human beauty pageants. Canine contestants compete in Photogenic, Activewear, Glamourwear and Talent for the chance to win a Crown, Medals, Banners, trophies and beautiful gifts from the event Sponsors, all while contributing to worthwhile causes. Spectators will also win with Door Prizes, a Silent Auction, and a 50/50 Raffle. Leslie Kennedy, veteran pageant contestant and emcee, and former star of NYCTV25’s Doggie Moms, created and will host the event along with her adorable sidekick, Yorkshire Terrier, SalliSue. For more information on your pup becoming a Contestant, Sponsorship Opportunity and tickets, please contact Leslie Kennedy of Kennedy Art Productions and The Barking Beauty Pageant at 917-797-4331 or email Leslie at BarkingBeautyPageant@gmail.com. More at BarkingBeautyPageant.org. Connect socially on Facebook @TheBarkingBeauty, on Instagram at @BarkingBeautyPageant and on Twitter @BarkingBeauty.

August 10, 2020: Celebrate Snoopy’s Birthday

As part of its partnership with Peanuts to commemorate the comic strip’s 70^th anniversary, Dogtopia, the nation’s largest dog daycare, boarding and spa facility, is throwing a nationwide birthday bash for Snoopy. Join in on the festivities by showing off your cutest Snoopy lookalike! Submit pictures of your own furry friends here for a chance to win a Peanuts prize pack. But that is not all! Every entry will receive a special savings code to Hallmark’s online store, valid through August 10. The discount will be good for 20 percent off all Peanuts cards, gifts and gift wrap for orders at Hallmark.com and online orders picked up in the store.

August 21, 2020: Actor and singer Skylar Astin hosts Instagram Live Reading of A Home for Hilly

Skylar Astin joins Hills to raise money for Clear the Shelters.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is partnering with actor, singer and animal lover, Skylar Astin, to raise money to support shelter pets. The partnership is in celebration of NBCUniversal’s Clear The Shelters month-long pet adoption campaign. Skylar will host an Instagram Live reading of A Home for Hilly, an illustrated book about the transformative journey of a shelter puppy. Takes place live at 6 pm EST/3 pm PST on Skylar’s Instagram. For every video view or engagement of the live reading, Hill’s will donate to ClearTheSheltersFund.org, up to $10,000. For more about Hill’s sponsorship of NBC and Telemundo Owned Stations’ Clear The Shelters effort and its Food, Shelter & Love program, visit HillsPet.com. Follow the campaign on social media by using the hashtags #HillsTransformingLives and #ClearTheShelters. For more information and news about the NBC and Telemundo owned stations’ Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign, visit ClearTheShelters.com. To access information in Spanish, please visit DesocuparlosAlbergues.com and follow #DesocuparlosAlbergues.

August 19 — 23, 2020: Pet Fair Asia 2020

The 23^rd annual pet industry show Pet Fair Asia takes place in Shanghai as scheduled, as the first major international show for pet supplies to take place in 2020. With ongoing epidemic and international travel restrictions, Pet Fair Asia implements a hybrid approach to offer a seamless offline/online experience for manufacturers and buyers – a first step into advanced digital solutions for international business. More at petfairasia.com.

August 20 —22, 2020: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Virtual Conference

The AVMA’s first-ever virtual annual convention provides a platform for its top leadership, members and other speakers to update veterinarians on COVID-19, developments on the latest news related to cannabis use in veterinary medicine (at a three-day symposium), the human/animal bond, and other topics relating to animal and human health, such as the increasing popularity of raising urban chickens. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), will also deliver a special videotaped briefing and update on COVID-19 and how veterinarians have stepped up during this unprecedented time. The innovative gathering also present best-in-class continuing education (CE) sessions, keynote presentations, exhibitors, and networking opportunities. Trending topics include: Unlocking the Feline Mind, Th Troubling Intensity of the Human/Animal Bond, Behavior Problems with Senior Dogs and Cats, Cats —To Pee or Not to Pee. More at avma.org.

August 26, 2020: Pawsitive Impact — Amazon Pets & Treasure Truck Virtual Live Event

Amazon Pets & Treasure Truck are celebrating #NationalDogDay by hosting a special virtual live event for dogs and their families everywhere to help raise awareness for local pet adoption and shelters! They will unleash an exciting lineup of celebs, special guests, amazing dog videos and treats! More info at thepreppiepuppy.com.

Top Photo: CREDIT | Getty Images

Tags: dog events

Melissa L. Kauffman, Group Editorial Director Catster/Dogster

Covering the pet world for more than 30 years, Melissa L. Kauffman has been an editor/writer for a wide variety of pet magazines and websites from the small critters and parrots to cats and dogs. Her advisory team of pets — rescue dogs Tampa Bay and Murphy Brown, plus Cirneco dell'Etna Liberty Belle and rescued parrots Deacon and Pi-Pi — help keep her on top of the latest and greatest pet health research, training and products, anything to give keep them in the high life they are accustomed to. Follow Tampa and his crew on Instagram @tampa.bay.pup.report while Melissa can always be found working on the next issue of Catster and Dogster magazines at caster.com and dogster.com. Contact her ONLY at dogstermag@belvoir.com. (Any email not from belvoir.com is not this Melissa L Kauffman.)

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