Dogtoberfest: The bourgeoisie Nairobi event that is all about dogs

Dog lovers from Kenya and all the way from the United States gathered in Karen on October 5 for Dogtoberfest, an event to celebrate dogs' wellness, music, and community spirit.

In its 11th edition, the event brought together dog owners with different breeds, from bulldogs, Chihuahuas, to the famous Kenyan breed Africanis, colloquially known as “Mutina" or "Bosco”.

For attendee safety, all participants were required to possess a dog vaccination card check-up and hand-washing points and water stations for dogs to hydrate were erected on the premises.

Volunteers who helped ensure the event was seamless were also present alongside medics and veterinarians for the dogs.

There were activities for dogs, like a swimming pool where they could cool themselves and have fun, a play area for them to run around, not forgetting mascots that seemed annoying to some dogs, while others found them amusing.

Vendors erected their stands featuring clothes for the dogs, dog food, toiletries, accessories, and not forgetting a vendor who even provided spa services for the dogs.

For the dog owners and other attendees, the festival featured several games for both young and old people, like a bouncing castle, a table pool, darts, checkers, and spicing up with a photo booth for memories.

As we all know, an event is never complete without food. Food stands were placed in different places. The only precaution that one could take is checking out the food well before mistaking dog food for human one.

Some dogs even have a precise meal preference as one dog owner told Citizen Digital that his dog prefers minced meat and rice to other meals.

There were also short races for the dogs. These were the determinants for the dogs who would win in different categories, the main category being Mr and Mrs. Dogtoberfest.

The process was just easy. First, one would register his or her dog for a preferred category, then when the competition for that group starts, they are called upon to do the small race, then the winners are awarded by the event organizers and other vendors, or attendees.

The categories included, best breed Kenyan shepherd; it only focused on the Kenyan breed, which is scientifically known as Africanis, the most obedient dog, best pet costume; that explored the dogs' fashion sense, special senior category, and the master dog lookalike, which focused on awarding the dog that most resembled its owner.

Winners headed home with bags of food, discounts for clinic check-ups, insurance by the companies available, and medals, among other gifts.

The event ended with the crowning of “Mr and Mrs Dogtoberfest”.