June 14, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Local Dogs Have Their Day at Woofstock 2010
By
John Semley
73438 Well, now we all know what a terrified dog in a dress looks like. Have fun never sleeping ever again. woofstock2010_2 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_2-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_2.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_2.jpg 640 411 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Miles Storey 2010, All Rights reserved"} https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_2/ woofstock2010_2 0 0
73439 Competing in the Stupid Dog Trick competition sometimes involves training the human. woofstock2010_3 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_3-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_3.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_3.jpg 640 434 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Miles Storey 2010, All Rights reserved, http:\/\/mute.rigent.com"} https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_3/ woofstock2010_3 0 0
73440 If there's a more adorable puppy, we've yet to see it. woofstock2010_4 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_4-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_4.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_4.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_4/ woofstock2010_4 0 0
73441 If he looks annoyed, it's only because he's late for a poker game. woofstock2010_5 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_5-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_5.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_5.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_5/ woofstock2010_5 0 0
73442 Look at him! Licking his nose! He thinks he's people! woofstock2010_7 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_7-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_7.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_7.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_7/ woofstock2010_7 0 0
73443 As one of the Stupid Dog Trick judges noted, Woofstock also eagerly welcomes Ewoks. woofstock2010_9 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_9-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_9.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_9.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_9/ woofstock2010_9 0 0
73444 I haz a little hat. woofstock2010_10 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_10-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_10.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_10.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_10/ woofstock2010_10 0 0
73445 Shaking it off in the Berczy Park fountain. woofstock2010_13 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_13-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_13.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_13.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_13/ woofstock2010_13 0 0
73446 Late night, buddy? woofstock2010_14 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_14-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_14.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_14.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_14/ woofstock2010_14 0 0
73447 Sure, he's wet, but he caught the Frisbee. And really, isn't that what we all came to see? woofstock2010_15 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_15-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_15.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_15.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_15/ woofstock2010_15 0 0
73448 "I got it!" woofstock2010_17 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_17-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_17.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_17.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_17/ woofstock2010_17 0 0
73449 He ain't afraid of no water fountain. woofstock2010_19 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_19-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_19.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_19.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_19/ woofstock2010_19 0 0
73450 A dog in costume as Ed Asner. woofstock2010_20 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_20-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_20.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_20.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_20/ woofstock2010_20 0 0
73451 This thirsty little friend slurps up some free rainwater. woofstock2010_21 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_21-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_21.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_21.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_21/ woofstock2010_21 0 0
73452 Lost in thought. woofstock2010_22 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_22-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_22.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_22.jpg 640 426 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_22/ woofstock2010_22 0 0
73453 Overall winner of the Ms. Canada Canine Pageant. woofstock2010_24 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_24-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_24.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_24.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_24/ woofstock2010_24 0 0
73454 There's no way this is even a real thing. woofstock2010_27 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_27-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_27.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_27.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_27/ woofstock2010_27 0 0
73455 An impossibly cute puppy that could melt the heart of even the most hardened mixed–martial arts competitor or Vaudevillian strongman. woofstock2010_28 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_28-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_28.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_28.jpg 640 529 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_28/ woofstock2010_28 0 0
73456 Also in attendance: that flying luckdragon thing from <em>The Neverending Story</em>. woofstock2010_29 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_29-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_29.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_29.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_29/ woofstock2010_29 0 0
73457 Oh hai. woofstock2010_30 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_30-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_30.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_30.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_30/ woofstock2010_30 0 0
73458 A dachshund, veteran of every Woodstock festival since the first in 2003, competes in the costume competition. woofstock2010_32 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_32-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_32.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_32.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_32/ woofstock2010_32 0 0
73459 This dog-as-frog took top honours at the costume contest, and even snagged a kiss from host Carla Collins. woofstock2010_33 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_33-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_33.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_33.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_33/ woofstock2010_33 0 0
73460 A dog in a homemade Polo shirt gets ready to "pup" his collar. Get it? woofstock2010_34 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_34-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_34.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_34.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_34/ woofstock2010_34 0 0
73461 A competitor in the Stupid Dog Trick competition takes it on the nose. woofstock2010_38 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_38-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_38.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_38.jpg 640 517 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_38/ woofstock2010_38 0 0
73462 Is that a Burberry dog harness? These mutts have really got some class. woofstock2010_39 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_39-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_39.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_39.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_39/ woofstock2010_39 0 0
73463 A Shar Pei–Basset Hound cross. woofstock2010_40 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_40-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_40.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_40.jpg 640 463 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_40/ woofstock2010_40 0 0
73464 This little guy immediately makes us remember Don Cherry's feisty bull terrier, Blue (RIP). woofstock2010_41 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_41-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_41.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/woofstock2010_41.jpg 640 427 [] https://torontoist.com/2010/06/woofstock_2010/slide/woofstock2010_41/ woofstock2010_41 0 0
They say every dog has his day (or at least there’s a Toby Keith song that says that ). But this past weekend local Toronto pups got two whole days at the annual Woofstock festival for dogs and dog owners. Setting up shop in the vicinity of the St. Lawrence Market on Saturday and Sunday, Woofstock 2010 brought together vendors hocking puppy-related merch (a chaise longue for your pet!), dog lovers, and their canine companions. There were plenty of free goodies for the dogs, and ample cobbed corn and lemonade for the humans. And varicose veins? You bet! Even though the weather wasn’t great, all the good vibes managed to keep a major, fur-drenching storm at bay. Another Woofstock miracle!
Saturday saw Canada’s favourite comedienne Carla Collins hosting three dog-related contests: Stupid Dog Tricks, Mr. And Mrs. Canine, and a costume contest that smacked of Woofstock’s opening event last weekend . Fresh from her stint on the TVTropolis reality series Carlawood —in which cameras follow her trying to make it big in Hollywood (which is why the series is called Carlawood …because it’s like Hollywood except, you know, with her name in it)—Collins appeared in no way humbled by the fact that she was hosting a Stupid Dog Trick contest, cheerily making jokes about failed marriages and Xanax which cemented the soused-housewife appeal of the whole event.
Joined on stage by three local comics serving as a panel of judges, Collins and Co. hacked through a whole bunch of jokes about Sandra Bullock, little people, and, astonishingly, the O.J. Simpson trial (though, to be fair, there was a dog named Ito and another named Kito, which can turn into a Kato Kaelin joke pretty easily). All this while introducing dogs that jumped for Frisbees, chased tennis balls, and in a show of Woofstock’s attempts at austerity and restraint, resisted eating dog treats and raw meat, which seems more like an anti-trick than a trick.
The Mr. And Mrs. Canine contest had owners and their dogs strutting down the outdoor catwalk (dogwalk?), vying for the affection of the audience and judges. This is where you see a lot of puppies in dresses and hear a lot of hilarious pet names (like Ruby McShane and Berrigan Boo). There were also two enormous Irish wolfhounds that looked more like ponies than canines. The costume contest opened the doggie doors for more puppies in dresses, as well as a slew of little runts dolled up as devils, frogs, and bumblebees. The Bee Dog invited a vintage citation of Blind Melon’s “No Rain” music video , a reference which successfully dated all the O.J. humour.
All these dog-related contests and pageants always come off as a bit surreal, but it’s all in good fun. And to be sure, people (and their pets) seemed to be enjoying themselves at Woofstock, despite the crummy weather. You might even say that despite all the silliness, Woofstock 2010 was anything but “for the dogs.” But we just said that. So now you don’t even have to.
Photos by Miles Storey/Torontoist.