Dog Days Of Summer Dives Into Cook Park This Weekend

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — If you happen to walk by Cook Park next month and see a dog or two leaping into a massive pool, make sure to prance over to the pup-filled party, known as the Village of Libertyville's Dog Days of Summer. Hosted by Libertyville's local Knights of Columbus Council 3674, the annual furry fundraising event is celebrating its 11th year featuring Dock Dogs National Canine Aquatic Jumping competition. Dog Days of Summer will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14, in Cook Park and along Church Street in downtown Libertyville, according to the local Knights of Columbus.

Join friends and family in Cook Park to watch dozens of nationally ranked and local dogs run down a 40-foot dock and leap into a huge pool that holds 27,000 gallons of water, competing for the top Dock Dog title. Returning to compete this year are Ruger and his owner, Gene, traveling from Anchorage, Alaska (see video below).

Cook Park will also be filled with over 30 vendors selling dog and pet-related items and supplies, in addition to several local food vendors, according to the local KOC.

"This is a great community event, especially for the Village of Libertyville, and for people who love dogs, and those who own dogs," Dan Love, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 3674 and co-chair of Dog Days of Summer, told Patch.

Love also said the local KOC will donate all proceeds from the event after expenses to several local organizations aimed at helping those in need. For example, proceeds provide beds for children, necessities for Our House of Hope Rescue, thousands of pounds of food for pets of veterans, donations to animal medical charities, and more.

Love told Patch Dog Days of Summer was started by Bill Kaiser, former owner of local Pampered Pup'z. In 2017, Kaiser could no longer run the event, leading Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler, local leaders, sponsors and the Knights of Columbus to come together and make sure the event took place.

Love added that there will be a number of animal rescue shelters at Dog Days of Summer, for those considering adopting a pet, or for anyone looking to meet shelter representatives.

Items, including a pet camera, will be raffled off, and raffle tickets will be $1. Proceeds from the raffle will go towards local organizations, including Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

And of course, there are plenty of trees throughout Cook Park for dogs, families and their owners to relax under and enjoy some shade out in the summer sun.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, July 12

• 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Dock Dogs Competition

Saturday, July 13

• 10 a.m.: Opening Ceremony
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Dock Dogs Competition; Cook Park Vendor Fair; Pampered Pupz Dunk Tank; raffle for Pet Food Pantry
• 11 a.m.: How to Deskunk Your Dog; demonstration of system proven to work!
• 12 p.m.: Sheriff K9 Demo
• 2 p.m.: DogStyle Pet Training Demo

Sunday, July 14

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Dock Dogs Competition; Cook Park Vendor Fair; Pampered Pupz Dunk Tank; raffle for local charity
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Raffle for Pet Food Pantry
• 12 p.m.: Pet Blessing at Cook Park
• 12:30 p.m.: Pet Costume Parade
• 2 p.m.: DogStyle Pet Training Demo

This year’s event is sponsored by Care Animal Hospital, Byline Bank, GreenTree Animal Hospital, Liberty Auto City Subaru, North Shore Gas, Pampered Pupz, Petraneks Pharmacy, The Pet Factory, and Veterinary Specialty Clinic, according to the local KOC.

For updates and more information, visit the Libertyville Dog Days of Summer Facebook page.