The Lancerlot Sports Complex hosted its first “Macado’s Dog Days of Summer” on the afternoon of Saturday, August 24, sponsored by Macado’s restaurant and Noah’s Ark Animal Complex.

“Who Let the Dogs Out?” blared from the speakers. Not only were the dogs let out, they were allowed into the pool and onto the ice rink.

This was a free community event open to the public, especially those considering adopting a dog, and the crowds turned out in droves. At least nine dogs were adopted during the afternoon event.

Lancerlot General Manager Joe Miller estimates that “over 300 dogs showed up during the course of the event to play on the ice and swim in the pool.” They brought along their families.

The Lancerlot hosted the dog adopt-a-thon in conjunction with the Roanoke Valley SPCA, the Salem Animal Shelter, Angels of Assisi, and the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP).

In addition to the adopt-a-thon, the Lancerlot turned their full regulation-sized ice rink into a dog park and opened their outdoor swimming pool for dogs and their owners. There was music, along with food and vendors inside and out.

Miller says he ran a similar event at an ice rink he managed in Florida.

“The one here was much bigger though as I incorporated the swimming pool, the adopt-a-thon and all the dog vendors,” Miller said.

“I’d like to thank our Title Sponsor Macado’s and our co-sponsors, Noah’s Ark Animal Complex and I-Heart Radio, but most importantly, I want to thank everyone who participated and brought their pooch out to the event,” Miller said. “It was a real joy for our team here to watch all the dogs having so much fun! Remember, this whole event is for the dogs!

“The turnout and support were amazing,” he said. “I think we can grow on this year’s event and make the ‘Dog Days of Summer’ and annual event at The Lot.”