While an old dog’s ability to learn new tricks is debatable, Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site proves old historic sites can host new pet-friendly events.
Washington on the Brazos invites dog lovers to enjoy the state park with their furry friends on Saturday, Sept. 29. This marks the first year of their admission-free Bark in the Park event. Presented by DogWatch Hidden Fence of Houston, Bark in the Park offers special pet-related activities. The Park opens at 8am and close at 5pm with Bark in the Park activities taking place from 10am to 2pm. Dogs at the event must be kept on a leash.
Activities from 10am to 2pm:
- Several rescue organizations including 4 Paws Farm, Navasota Animal Shelter, Animal Friends of Washington County, Aggieland Humane Society, and City of Brenham Animal Services onsite with adoptable dogs
- Various vendors selling pet-related products and a food truck for the humans
- Pet portraits by Hanna Marie Photography
- Three talks on the historical dogs of Texas hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife staff
- 10:30–10:45am on the Early Dogs of Texas featuring the Carolina Dog
- 11:30–11:45am on the Catahoula Dog
- 12:30–12:45am on the Blue Lacy, Texas State Dog
- The Texas Six Steppers dancing demonstration from 11-11:30am and from 12-12:30pm. A sniffing dog demonstration will take place after each demonstration between 1-1:20pm and 1:30-1:50pm.
- PetSmart training session from 11:30am-noon with a raffle and various dog goodies
- Police dog demonstrations from the Brenham Canine Division
- Thirty-minute talk on responsible pet ownership from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences responsible pet ownership
- 2K Dog Walk
- Mini Dog Park where owners can let dogs off their leash
- Contests with prizes including: Owner/Pet look-a-like, Longest Ears, Tallest/Shortest Dog, Best Costume, Cutest Dog, Best Trickster!
- Large plastic pools of water will be located throughout the Park for animals to play in and drink. Poop bags will be provided for responsible dog-owners to help pick up after their pets.
This inaugural event is hosted by the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Other sponsors include the Red Velvet Inn, Pet Smart College Station, K’s Mutt Hut and in-kind donations from HEB, Brenham Tractor Supply, and Miracle Farm.
Regular admission fees apply for Barrington Living History Farm and the Star of the Republic Museum. Dogs are not allowed on the Farm or inside any of the buildings.
Washington on the Brazos is located on the Brazos River at the original townsite of Washington. The Park is located at 23400 Park Road 12, Washington, TX, 77880—approximately halfway between Brenham and Navasota, off of State Hwy. 105. From Hwy. 105, follow either FM 912 or FM 1155 to Park Road 12.
For more information on Bark in the Park or other events at Washington on the Brazos, visit www.wheretexasbecametexas.org or www.facebook.com/events.
