Pets in command at Art 4 Paws on April 18
At Art 4 Paws, Charlie, a miniature dachshund, took advantage of a photo opt in a ‘bubble bath,’ complete with rubber ducky. The free festival on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be held on Front Street. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Both pampered pets and rescued animals up for adoption will be the stars of Art 4 Paws on April 18.
Sponsored by Madison Arts Council (MAC), the free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, downtown on Front Street. Artisans will offer interesting designs, like whimsical garden art, jewelry, paintings, gourmet snacks and toys and clothes for pets.
“Each year, we have amazing artists along with vendors specifically for pets,” MAC President Beth Ridgeway said. “We’ll have photographers on hand so your dog can walk the red carpet.” A pet pedicure station is planned.
Many owners show off their pets, dressed in comical or collegiate outfits.
For 2015, chairperson Debbie Overcash is expanding the Children’s Area with engaging, fun activities. Food trucks will be onsite with concessions.
Rev. John Ryberg of Asbury United Methodist Church will open Art 4 Paws with ‘Blessing of the Pets’ at 10 a.m. Dogs can tackle the agility course starting at 10:30 a.m.
Animal groups scheduled are Alabama Boston Terrier Rescue Inc., Peaceful Pit Bull Humane Society Alabama, SARTEC (Search & Rescue Technicians) K-9 Unit, Petlinker Inc., Greater Huntsville Humane Society, Madison Animal Rescue Foundation (MARF), Rescue-A-Bull Pit Bull Rescue, Helping Animals Without Shelter (HAWS), Rehoming Unsettled Animals, Peace Love & Animals and Decatur Animal Services.
The Amateur Dog Show at 2 p.m. is a key component of Art 4 Paws. As many as 70 dogs will walk the show ring with their owners for judging.
The dog show’s competition categories will be “Smallest,” “Largest,” “Cutest,” “Best Personality,” “Best Trick,” “Best Dressed” and “Best in Show.” Some dogs available for adoption will be featured in the special “Top Dog” segment.
The 2015 sponsors are Madison Health Mart Pharmacy & Compounding, Hollywood Feed, Happy Tails Ranch, Redstone Federal Credit Union, JC Lock and Key, Jump to It party rentals, Invisible Fence of Huntsville, The Comforts of Home Pet Sitting and Madison Animal Care Hospital.
For more information, email to art4paws@artsmadison.org or visit artsmadison.org.
