By Hannah Lester
hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Kiesel Park was filled with wagging tails, lots of puppy kisses and some free dog biscuits Saturday for the city of Auburn’s Bark In The Park event.

This was Auburn’s ninth year to host Bark In The Park, since it was canceled last year due to COVID-19.

“We’re just glad we could provide this for the community,” said Sarah Cook, community programs coordinator for the city of Auburn. “It’s all about responsible dog ownership.”

There were 30 vendors and organizations at the event, including Nature’s Oasis Animal Hospital, Crafts by Lauren, Lee County Youth Development Center, city of Auburn animal control, Pet Vet and a new company — Attaboy Dog Treats.

Bark In The Park was Attaboy Dog Treats first day in business.

“We make all natural, high-quality-ingredient dog treats,” said Pam Prince, one of the owners of Attaboy Dog Treats.

The business has three treats right now, bacon peanut butter, called “fiesty boy;” a pumpkin peanut butter, called “peppy boy” and a chicken heart treat, called “hearty boy.”

Attaboy Dog Treats was going to launch last year at Bark In The Park, but because of COVID-19 was unable to.

“We’re hopeful that eventually we will start a dog food truck,” Prince said.

There were groups present that were focused on adoption or fostering of dogs, including the Lee County Humane Society and Pups on the Plains.

“We adopt dogs off of death row from kill shelters, fully vet them then adopt them out locally,” said one Pups on the Plains member, Claire Brewton said.

Pups on the Plains is an Auburn University organization that is student-run.

“[Bark In The Park] a great way for different shelters and rescues to get their name out there and promote the ‘adopt don’t shop narrative,’” said Anna Deaton, another Pups on the Plains member.