World Dog Day Had West Hollywood Wagging Its Tail

West Hollywood went to the dogs — in the best pawsible way — as hundreds of four-legged friends and their humans took over West Hollywood Park for the 9th annual World Dog Day on Saturday, September 26.

Co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood and presented by The Vanderpump Dog Foundation, the free celebration was a pawsitively fetching afternoon filled with vendors, live music, raffles, activities, and plenty of opportunities for pups and their people to mix, mingle, and make some new fur-iends.

From tiny tail-waggers to big, lovable woofers, canine guests of all shapes and sizes had their day in the sun as West Hollywood Park became the ulti-mutt gathering place for dog lovers.

But World Dog Day wasn’t just about having a barking good time. The annual event also helped raise awareness about dog welfare and the ongoing work to end animal cruelty around the world. The Vanderpump Dog Foundation focuses on education, legislation, activism, and rescue and rehabilitation efforts to improve the lives of dogs domestically and internationally.

That mission is a natural fit in West Hollywood, where protecting animals has long been something of a pet project. The City has been a national leader on animal-welfare policies, including becoming the first municipality in the nation to prohibit cat declawing in 2003 and later adopting measures addressing puppy mills and the sale of fur products.

And for local pups who didn't get their fill of fun at World Dog Day, West Hollywood offers plenty of places to keep the good times rolling over. The City operates small- and large-dog parks at West Hollywood Park, as well as the off-leash dog park at William S. Hart Park.

All told, World Dog Day proved once again that when it comes to celebrating our canine companions, West Hollywood really knows how to raise the woof.

Check out all the pawsitively adorable pups in this photo album from City photographer Jonathan Moore: