Pooch Party

If your Fido or Spot needs something to look forward to this summer besides the occasional walk around the block while you talk on your Bluetooth, mark July 14 on your calendar. That's when Project POOCH is hosting their first doggy benefit and "fun raiser" at Mary S. Young Dog Park.

There'll be dog races, an agility course, a pet photographer and, if it's been awhile since your dog's last pedicure, nail trimming. Plus many more activities aimed at keeping owners busy while their dogs are sniffing, playing, marking and barking.

All proceeds from the party will go to Project POOCH, a non-profit organization that pairs "unadoptable" dogs from shelters with youth offenders at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. The kids train the dogs and get them ready for adoption to forever homes while learning life and job skills that help them move out of the correctional system.

Details: POOCH in the Park benefit for Project POOCH. Sat., July 14; 10 am-3 pm. Mary S. Young Dog Park, 20100 Willamette Drive (Highway 43, 2 miles from I-205 Exit 8), West Linn, OR. Phone 503-636-0714.