FREEPORT — Everybody who’s anybody in the dog world will be at L.L. Bean’s Dog Days of August event Aug. 24 to 26.
The list of doggie dignitaries includes Millie, L.L. Bean’s yellow Lab who travels the country in the Bootmobile. (She has her own instagram account.)
The Dock Dogs will be there showing off their jumps. Morgan the K-9 of “North Woods Law” will be there to greet fans. Plus there’ll be more dogs, dog experts and dog events than you can throw a stick at.
L.L. Bean has offered Dog Days, which is free, for over 10 years, said company spokesman Eric Smith. “It’s always been in a partnership with Coastal Humane Society,” which holds a 5K run and 1-mile walk as a fundraiser. “For L.L. Bean it’s a celebration of all things dogs.”
Well-socialized and behaved dogs on leashes — and owners with poop bags ready for cleanup — are welcome. Dogs who are easily stressed, and cats, should stay home.
The annual event is popular with customers, both locals and summer visitors, Smith said. “There’s something for everyone. Even if you don’t have a dog,” people come to enjoy the demonstrations.
While the Dog Days event is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Saturday is the big day.
The 5K begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 1-mile walk.
Canine contests with the Coastal Humane Society begin at 9:30 a.m. and include contests for the best owner/dog look-alikes, best trick, best costume, musical chairs and doggie ice cream eating speed contest.
Other Saturday highlights include Maine Game Warden Kris MacCabe and K-9 Morgan from 10 a.m. to noon, and the Dock Dogs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Owners of dogs who like to jump in the water are invited to pre-register and try being a Dock Dog.
There are many other events all three days. For a full schedule or to get more information, go to: www.llbean.com/summer/images/DogDaysSOE_web.pdf
Dedicating a few days to dogs and dog owners goes well with L.L. Bean’s “Be an outsider” motto, Smith said. “We like to say at L.L. Bean that dogs are the ultimate outdoor companion. . . . Dogs are always ready to go outdoors.”
bwashuk@sunjournal.com
Millie, L.L. Bean’s ambassador dog who rides around the country with Keith Smith in the Bootmobile, will be at the Dog Days of August event in Freeport from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. (L.L. Bean photo)
Cassie, a Belgian Malinois police dog of the Freeport Police Department, will show off K-9 skills with Officer Matt Moorhouse from 12:30-1:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at L.L. Bean’s Dog Days of August event. (Freeport Police Department photo)
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