By Debbie Adams
Temperatures on Saturday, August 27, were in the 90’s in Vinton, but the Lancerlot helped solve that problem for pups and their owners with the “Town of Vinton Dog Days of Summer.” This was the third year for the “coolest dog event of the summer,” and a huge crowd of dogs and their owners turned out to play, slip, and slide on the ice rink and swim in the outdoor swimming pool.
This free afternoon at the Lancerlot is the Lot’s gift to the community in Vinton. It is also a chance to assist local pet adoption agencies who are invited to bring in dogs who are looking for homes. This year’s Dog adopt-a-thon groups included the Salem SPCA and the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP).
One more dog in attendance–Diesel, the Rail Yard Dawgs hockey team mascot–stopped by to pet the pooches and meet and greet the others enjoying the facilities.
Sponsors this year were the Town of Vinton, Noah’s Ark Animal Complex, Oakey’s Pet Funeral Home and Crematory, Freedom First, and the Lancerlot.
There were also many dog vendors on site including Let’s Aroo, Pretty Paws Dog & Cat Grooming, Wags by Wegel, Oakey’s, the Unleashed Dog Bakery & Boutique, Field of Dreams, Pawsitively Treats, Off Leash K9, Vinton Vet and Pet Vet, Carla Leech dog accessories, Pawsh Salon for Dogs, Critter Beds, the Hemp Mill, The Dog Mom, Chico K9 Services, and Nature’s Emporium—and for thirsty people, Deb’s Frozen Lemonade.
The first “Dog Days of Summer” was held at the Lancerlot in 2019. The pandemic delayed the second event until 2021.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout this year,” said Lancerlot General Manager Joe Miller. “This by far was the highest attended event as almost 300 dogs came to cool off by playing on the ice and taking a dip in the pool. We are so very thankful for our sponsors, The Town of Vinton, Freedom First, Oakey’s Pet Funeral Home and Noah’s Ark Animal Complex. We can’t wait until next year as this event will be an annual event for years to come.”