Aros, a K-9 police dog, sits at the feet of his handler, Trooper Adam Fillebrown as Trooper Jon Russell leans against his police vehicle in the background. The state troopers and K-9 dogs were at the fifth annual Fun Dog Day at the Oxford County Fairgrounds on Sunday. The event was a fundraiser for Responsible Pet Care.

Andy Steinharter brings his dog, Lucky, through the agility course set up on the Oxford County Fairgrounds for the fifth annual Fun Dog Day on Sunday. Taking photos in the background is Steinharter’s son, Harry, and helping Lucky through the hoop is Pat Ingersoll, the canine director and dog trainer at Responsible Pet Care.

Matthew Black rides his bike behind his dogs, demonstrating a summer “sled dog” activity at the fifth annual Fun Dog Day on the Oxford County Fairgrounds on Sunday. Black said the activity can be performed by any breed of dog to help them lower their energy levels. The exercise should be restricted to cool days and confined to soft surfaces such as dirt paths or grass. The demonstration was hosted by Heart Song Kennel of South Paris.

OXFORD — It was a barking good time at the fifth annual Fun Dog Day on Saturday at the Oxford Fairgrounds in Oxford.

The fundraising event for the Responsible Pet Care shelter and adoption center at 9 Swallow Road in South Paris, featured over 40 vendors and attracted pooches of every size, shape and color, with their owners in tow.

Ari Burke, 5, and her golden retriever, Luke, practiced the agility course, which included jumps, hoops and cones. Luke was more interested in lying in the shady spot under the ramp, but Ari was still proud of him.

“He did good,” Ari said. “He also knows how to sit and stand up in the water.” 

Little Pogo, a 15-year-old therapy dog, was present, spreading cheer and motivation as she wheeled around in a contraption made by Tufts University.

Her owner, Cynthia Wescott, rescued the 11-pound Tibetan spaniel from a beach in Puerto Rico, and flew her home with the help of the Animal Rescue Fund.

According to its website, ARF is a national leader in the animal welfare industry, co-founded by Elaine and Tony La Russa in 1991. ARF’s core mission is the rescue of dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters, giving them a chance at life until a new home can be found.

Pogo, who got her name because of her love of jumping up and down, suffers from cervical disc disease, and has been in her “wheelchair” for eight years now.  

She visits hospitals, libraries, schools and nursing homes to show people that any obstacle can be overcome.

“Just walking down the sidewalk, she inspires people,” Wescott said.

Another public servant was in attendance as well, but much larger than his civilian counterpart.

Aros, a police K-9, was there with his handler, State Trooper Adam Fillebrown. The 90-pound German shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix is 6 years old, and has been patrolling and tracking narcotics for about four years with Fillebrown.

At the end of the day, Aros goes home with Fillebrown to be a family dog. But in the morning, he knows it’s time to work. His reward for a job well done is his red rubber toy, and he guarded it carefully from the other dogs wandering by.

Aros participated in a bite suit demonstration, and displayed his unyielding loyalty and obedience, traits shared by many of his canine companions.

Morgan Miles, an eight-year volunteer for RPC and also on the board of directors, said that local businesses sometimes sponsor the even six months in advance, which guarantees them a vendor booth.

The goal this year is to raise $12,000, compared to the $10,000 raised last year, Miles said. 

emarquis@sunmediagroup.net

Pogo, a 15-year-old Tibetan spaniel, waddles around in her little wheelchair made by Tufts University at the Fun Dog Day at the Oxford Fairgrounds on Saturday. Pogo is a therapy dog who has cervical disc disease.