Honoring Hounds

A Day of Fun and Community at Woofstock

This Saturday, the Sequoia Humane Society will host its annual fundraiser, “Woofstock,” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Halvorsen Park along Waterfront Drive in Eureka. The event is a celebration of community, pets, and fun, bringing together volunteers, supporters, and a variety of friendly dogs for a day filled with activities and entertainment.

“Woofstock is a key part of our community involvement. It’s our largest summer fundraiser, which brings volunteers, supporters, and lots of friendly dogs together in a lively, fun environment. It also raises awareness of homeless pets and connects people with our mission and with our animals,” said Tiffany Elizabeth, office manager for the Sequoia Humane Society.

The event features a wide range of activities for both humans and their canine companions. Dogs can enjoy an agility course, bobbing for treats, a lure course, and a chill-out zone. Additional highlights include microchipping services, a raffle, and a demonstration by the Eureka Police Department K9 unit.

Canine contests are also a big draw at Woofstock. These include events such as the pet/owner look-alike contest, best wag, and best costume. “One of the contests is ‘Best Costume’ and the idea that folks are planning ahead and excited enough to get their pups all dressed up is just really cool,” Elizabeth said. She also noted that the lure course is a favorite among the dogs. For the first time ever, the EPD K9 unit will be presenting at 12:30 p.m., showcasing some of the smartest and best-trained dogs in town.

Live music will add to the festive atmosphere throughout the day. Bands such as NightHawk, SoHum Girls, and Almost Dangerous will perform at different times, creating a vibrant festival energy. Food vendors will be on site offering hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and beverages for purchase.

“Woofstock blends pets, music, community, and fun in a way that appeals to so many. Families come for games or face painting. Dogs enjoy activities like the lure course and meeting lots of other pups. And the live music creates a festival energy that people love. Plus, people know they’ll see volunteers and adopters they’ve met before, so there’s a feeling of belonging,” Elizabeth said.

Admission to the event is $10 at the gate or $20 for families of four ($5 per additional person). Children under 2 years old can attend for free, and leashed, friendly dogs are also admitted for free (no retractable leashes allowed).

The funds raised at Woofstock directly support the care of animals at the shelter. This includes medical care, spaying and neutering, vaccines, microchips, behavioral training, and enrichment for pets who may be stressed or recovering. The proceeds also help with facility improvements, cleaning supplies, pet food, and the overall well-being of the animals as they transition into their forever homes.

The nonprofit Sequoia Humane Society is a no-kill shelter located at 6073 Loma Ave., Eureka. Currently, there are many cats and dogs of all ages seeking their forever homes. Among them is Pan Dulce, a 3-year-old curly brown spaniel mix known for his playful nature and unique appearance. Another notable animal is Odie, a 6-year-old German shepherd mix with strikingly different colored eyes. The shelter also has a little gray kitten named Han Solo, who exudes a mix of mystery and charm.

For more information about the Sequoia Humane Society or the Woofstock event, visit their website or call the provided number.