Ireland’s family-friendly dog-centric extravaganza The Doggie Do returns this September with headline guest, best-selling author John Grogan.

After the resounding success of Ireland’s first ever mutt mardi gras last year, this year’s The Doggie Do promises to be bigger and better with Dogs Trust joining the pack. The event will take place on Sunday, 11th September in the leafy confines of one of the tranquil Herbert Park in Ballsbridge.

John Grogan (pictured below), the author of the acclaimed memoir Marley and Me, which was adapted into a film, will also be in attendance for an exclusive Irish appearance and Q&A. Marley and Me tells the story of their adorable Labrador Retriever and the impact of its antics on its owners lives. It is an #1 international bestseller having sold over five million copies in over thirty languages and spent 76 weeks on the bestseller list.

In addition, the 2016 edition of Dublin’s mardi gras for mutt and man will offer a fun afternoon with a strong emphasis on responsible dog ownership. Events will appeal to both those who like to play dress-up and those who don’t, including training demos, grooming, cultural chats, chow and the centrepiece canine costume competition, ‘The Dog of Dublin.’

Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, will be on hand to provide a fun-filled afternoon to both humans and their four-legged friends alike. Activities in the Dogs Trust arena will include ‘An Education Station’, ‘Agility Advice’ and a ‘K9 Shop’.

The ‘Dog Of Dublin’ competition was a great success last year. Attendees were thrilled and moved as owners shared the stories of their dogs, while judges were hugely impressed by the creativity that had gone into entrants’ sartorial confections. The VERY popular winner of the top prize was 13 yr-old terrier Missi, a brave little survivor who was rescued by Vivien after she was found abandoned. Missi has arthritis so Vivien bought a buggy to help her get around. With their Moulin Rouge themed costumes they won the hearts of judges and audience alike. In 2016 judges will again be drawn from the world of fashion and style, with a surprise celebrity MC to run the show.

Alongside all that excitement, to give our canine besties some chill out time there will be a ‘Doggie and Soul’ area where everyone can relax in a calming atmosphere.

For humans there will be a picnic ‘market garden’ with some of Ireland’s finest food traders and a great ‘reTAIL’ area with vendors showcasing everything from treats to accessories – and in the evening to cap it all off there will be an open-air movie screening.

The Doggie Do with Dogs Trust Ireland supported by Dublin City Council is presented by Neighbrhd, Happenings & Mr&Mrs Stevens. Tickets cost €10 (children’s tickets cost €5 and family tickets €30) and may be reserved online.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Doggie Do

Herbert Park

Ballsbridge

Dublin 2

All images courtesy The Doggie Do