Dogs splash and play in a pool Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Victoria Van Mullem and Duke stop to share a moment Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Toot shows off her new goggles Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A dog browses the merchandise on offer Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A dog eagerly waits for their human to throw a pool noodle Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A puppy shows their love to a human Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Journey gets a kiss from Destiny Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Dogs splash and play in a pool Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Victoria Van Mullem and Duke stop to share a moment Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Toot shows off her new goggles Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A dog browses the merchandise on offer Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A dog eagerly waits for their human to throw a pool noodle Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A puppy shows their love to a human Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Journey gets a kiss from Destiny Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Dogs splash and play in a pool Saturday, Aug. 12 during the Day of the Dog festival at Bullen Park in Esquimalt. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Bullen Park in Esquimalt officially went to the dogs, but don’t worry, it’s a good thing.
The park played host to thousands of four-legged friends Aug. 12 and 13 as the annual Day of the Dog festival returned for its 12th year.
Formerly known as Pet-A-Polooza, the festival is about everything dog. Vendors catering to furry friends with everything from fashion accessories to treats and vet services lined the perimeter, while the central area focused on fenced-in play and competition areas.
Of course, the highlight on a warm Saturday afternoon was the doggy pool, with good boys and girls of all shapes and sizes splashing around and chewing on pool noodles.