Pups in the Plaza!

Flocks of two- and four-legged friends from near and far gathered at the Brooklyn Public Library's central plaza on August 26 to celebrate National Dog Day with a canine event of epic proportions -- “Pups on the Plaza”. The celebration included a morning of dog-themed activities and story time for kids, plus treats, wading pools and dog portraits by Kate Gavino for the pups. There were also four rescue groups in attendance with adoptable dogs available for those folks looking for a furever friend.

We were thrilled to see so many adorable pups stop by our Puppy Parties NYC booth where they snacked on yummy treats, played dress-up in some amazing costumes provided by Rubie's Pet Shop Boutique, and took those looks to our photo booth where they unleashed some pawsitively fabulous poses.

During the event, the library installed two Dog Parkers, the lockable, temperature controlled huts where humans can temporarily stash their puppers, outside the book depository so literature lovers can take their dogs on a walk to the library without worrying about their safety. There were also a number of amazing vendors on hand selling some pawsome pup products -- what pup doesn’t love going home with some new swag?!

The event culminated with a doggy fashion show that was one for the ages. Twenty-one four-legged models strutted across a green “red carpet” in a variety of costumes. Dressing in a literary-themed getup earned extra points in the competition for most stylish mutt. Our very own Winnie Bear dressed as Harry Pawter and had a blast making her way down the pup-walk, but in the end it was Shaggy (@nyyankeedog) an adorable skateboard riding maltipoo dressed in NY Yankee gear and converse sneakers who took first place. Other models included Rhodesian Ridgeback Penny, in a lion costume and Golden Retriever Stanley, decked out in star-shaped sunglasses.

A big thank you to the event sponsors, Dog Parker, Slobbr and Gothamist for making this a day we’ll be barking about for months to come!

A full list of vendors and rescues groups in attendance is listed below: [do you think we need this?]