More than 100 dogs of all sizes and breeds frolicked in the fog on April 26 during the first-ever Pup Palooza at the Little River Inn, a canine celebration that drew rescue dogs, working dogs and pampered purebreds for a day of fun—and fundraising.
Hosted by Little River Inn as a benefit for the Mendocino Coast Humane Society, the event featured contests, crafts, and dog-centric services, drawing participants from across Northern California.
Among the attendees was Pat Crisco, who traveled from Santa Rosa with her 11-year-old rescue dog, Pete. “He’s the gentlest dog in the world,” she said, as she waited to entered him in the best-dressed competition — an event Pete planned to enter "in the nude."
The festival offered something for every pup. Activities included a best trick competition, a photo booth, and a doggy finger-painting station where dogs created artwork by licking peanut butter off sealed bags of paint and canvas.
“We let people pick their canvas size and three colors of paint,” said Tayler Kolby Kishbaugh, front desk manager at the inn. “Then we seal the canvas in a Ziploc, smear peanut butter on top, and let the dogs go to town. The results are amazing.”
The festivities also featured informational booths. Dog nutritionist Austin Byrd encouraged homemade meals for pets, citing health benefits and quality. “You’re spending a little more than on commercial food, but the difference in quality is huge,” Byrd said. “Meal prep isn’t just for people anymore.”
A spirited crowd gathered around the best trick arena, where dogs like Chip, a German Shepherd mix, jumped through hoops and Meg, a spaniel-type, caught multiple frisbees at once. A late entry named Trinity performed a dance routine, earning cheers from the audience.
But the mood turned tender in the animal communicator’s corner, where longtime practitioner Carol Becker gently guided pet owners through health concerns and end-of-life decisions. In one session, she spoke with a couple about their 14-year-old dog. “She’s close to the end of her life span,” Becker said. “There are resources to help you know when it’s time. It’s a hard decision, but you don’t have to make it alone.”
The event raised funds and awareness for the Mendocino Coast Humane Society, which reported that one dog was adopted during the festivities. Martin, the organization's executive director wasn't sure to expect from the inaugural event. She said she was thrilled by the turn-out and the take. “It actually turned out to be a really great day,” she said.
