Puptopia 2023: The Ultimate Dog Festival
Puptopia, which took place Oct. 21, was the ultimate dog festival. Hosted at Pease Park, attendees found local vendors selling natural dog treats, food and other pet supplies. There was also a dog “spaw,” fully equipped with brushes, bows, cologne, nail filers and a private section where I learned how to give my sweet pup a massage. If that wasn’t enough, the event also had dozens of photo-ops, an obstacle course and K-9 lounge for for dog owners to eat and drink in
It was truly an unforgettable experience for my pup, Appa, and I. Appa loves other dogs so he was super excited to see friends he could sniff and play tag with at the event.
Then, I visited the many vendors at Puptopia. My first stops were Liberty Dog Bakery and Lucy Lu Dog Treats, which are both Texas-owned. Lucy Lu’s dog treats looked so natural even I could have snacked on one or two. Both businesses also make their treats by hand, showing their dedication to making delicious snacks for dogs like mine.
There was also the “spaw” section where I got to be Appa’s stylist. I wanted to put a bow on him, but his hair isn’t long enough for bows. It was really cool learning how to give Appa a proper dog massage. From personal experience, I feel like a massage is a good way to release tension and to help with mobility and flexibility. It’s nice to now know how to help Appa relax especially because we are active and he exercises a lot!
Appa enjoyed a bunch of free treats and “pup cups,” which are small cups of whipped cream, and lots of pets from humans. All the dogs and people were so friendly; I even met this stylish pup that had blue-purple fur!
At the end of it all, I had to carry Appa out of there! He just didn’t want to leave and say goodbye to his new pup friends.
Photos by Elizabeth Oh and Leiloni James