Dogtoberfest Austin held its ninth annual event on Saturday, Oct. 15 in the Domain from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The non-profit organization instills awareness about dog rescue, while also raising money for local dog rescue organizations. DogtoberTROT kicked off the festivities, where two-legged and four-legged friends alike had the opportunity to take part in a 1K walk around the Domain prior to the start of Dogtoberfest.

Following the DogtoberTROT, participants gathered in front of the iPic Theater while the winners of the raffle were announced, with prizes consisting of dog treats and toys for the four lucky ones drawn. Other activities included pet portraits, wiener dog races, and a demonstration station where different associations promoted their organization by holding presentations to show what their canines were capable of. Several students from NHS (National Honor Society) volunteered prior to the event, setting up tables, booths, and arranging materials for vendors.

“The festival is a great opportunity for a lot of dogs to come together in the community and hang out,” Leah Wu ‘17 said. “I just really wanted to be a part of that and help that happen.”

Though the other activities attracted a large crowd, students most anticipated the canine costume contest, with several award categories, such as Best Duo, Sports Stars, and Best in Show.

“The [Pug Rescue of Austin] association had the pugs all dressed up in halloween costumes, so some were witches and some were clowns, and they were super cute,” Paige Etherington ‘17 said. “I’m a huge fan of dogs, and I have my own dog, so I loved going there and seeing all the dogs and meeting all their owners.”

While the various events provided entertainment for those who attended, students gained more than just a fun experience at Dogtoberfest.

“I think that it definitely opened up my eyes to how many different organizations there were because I didn’t know that there was a particular pug rescue or there was a Newfoundland rescue,” Etherington said. “That was completely new to me and I think everyone needs that kind of education.”