Faux and Real Fur Mix at Chattapoochie Pet Fest

Faux fur mingled with real fur as costumed mascots, dogs and their owners shared the at the Chattapoochie Pet Fest Sunday (Oct. 2). More than 40 vendor booths offered products and services for pets.

The furry creatures appearing at the festival included Georgia 811’s Digger Dog; Clifford, the Big Red Dog, sponsored by American Family Insurance and Schoolastic; the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department's Dougie, the Dalmatian and friend; and Willy, the Duluth High School Wildcats mascot.

Prizes were awarded to the cutest over- and under 25-pound real dogs in a costume contest judged by attendees. The Rev. Gina Alexander blessed the pets.

The event was sponsored by the Duluth Historical Society with proceeds benefiting the Strickland House, site of the original Gwinnett County Historical Society. The Duluth History Museum is housed in the historic home.

Next year’s Pet Fest will be held at the Chattapoochee Dog Park under construction at Rogers Bridge Park.