On Nov. 3, hundreds of pet owners and dogs celebrated Doggy Daze 90210 at Roxbury Park’s Wiggly Field, featuring more than 27 vendors and six dog adoption agencies.
The festivities, presented by the Beverly Hills Community Services Department, began with an Old English Sheepdog parade, followed by a disc dog show and a pet parade. The event also included a dog talent show judged by Mayor Lester Friedman, Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Amie Sherry of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The free event allowed dogs and their owners to learn about resources for pet health and shop for clothes and accessories from various pet-related vendors. Food trucks served a variety of options, from ice cream to lobster. Dog adoption agencies provided opportunities to meet and adopt available dogs. The Teen Advisory Committee facilitated an arts and crafts table and accepted donations of used dog toys. Shake Shack offered dog treats like its signature Poochini, which is now available at all locations.
The event kicked off with a parade of adopted Old English Sheepdogs organized by the Old English Sheepdog Rescue, which has helped more than 2,300 sheepdogs find homes since 1989. The parade featured a family of sheepdogs adopted that year, showcasing a happy ending for the shaggy breed. “It raises money and brings people together. We have a silent auction and are selling Old English Sheepdog items,” said the organization’s founder, Jane Dempsey. She started the rescue when she realized shelters were full of the breed. Since then, volunteers and dog enthusiasts have helped transport, foster and groom the sheepdogs for adoption.
The pet parade featured dogs strutting across a stage in various Halloween costumes. Suki Castillo joined the parade with her Pomeranian, Foxy. She explained that she handmade Foxy’s turquoise flamingo dancer costume. “We just came to watch, and then we decided to enter,” Castillo said. She noted that Foxy also serves as a volunteer dog for Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.
“This connects the Beverly Hills community to essential services for their dogs. If people want to adopt dogs, we have a service here,” said Evan Doyle, a recreation supervisor for the city of Beverly Hills.
The talent show highlighted pets and their owners performing various tricks and demonstrations, from jumping through hoops to dancing. After deliberation, Mayor Lester Friedman presented prizes to the winners.
“This year, my theme is Beverly Hills together. What better way to be together than with your pets?” Friedman said about the event. “We see some amazing pets around here, including the three talented pets that just won their awards.” One of the winning dogs from the talent show had an amputated leg, which inspired the judges. “The one animal with only three legs is emblematic of everything in our society. Everybody has a place.”
Roya Akhavan entered her foster dog, Dillard, into the competition for dancing. “He knew it, and I encouraged it,” said Akhavan about training Dillard. She fosters Dillard through Bella Peter Rescue. Akhavan commented that the talent show is an excellent way for potential dog owners to meet Dillard and consider adopting him.
Nick and Katie Wuthrich, owners of the second-place winner in the talent competition, say that talent comes naturally to their dog, Curly. “We came last year, and she’s good at playing ball. She’ll do almost anything you tell her to do if there’s a ball or treat,” Nick Wuthrich mentioned while he and Curly wore matching Texas Longhorn jerseys.
Nami, the 3-year-old wellness support canine at the Beverly Hills Police Department, also made an appearance at the event. “She’s here, enjoying the event and representing the police department,” said Jackie Lynn, Nami’s handler. “In the department, she’s there for the officers if they need support, especially on rough days,” Lynn added.
Various adoption agencies showcased available dogs, ranging from golden retriever-specific adoptions to Yorkie adoptions. “This gives them a chance to interact with people and get socialized. It’s really good for dogs to be exposed to kids,” said Nancy Jimeno, director of Ozzie and Friends Rescue. “The greatest benefit is that they find a home. If people want to give back, they can foster. This gives them options to see if they can do that,” Jimeno remarked.
