About 14,500 pet enthusiasts and 3,600 dogs attended Bark in the Park on Sept. 19 in downtown San Jose, Calif. The attendance of both people and dogs was up by a couple of hundred compared to last year. The theme this year was Dogs Take the Lead.

The annual,family-oriented event, presented by Canidae All Natural Pet Foods, has been taking place for more than 10 years. Events and activities included a dog costume contest, herding demonstrations, dancing dogs, flyball, a dog agility course, silly dog tricks, a dog water park, pet/owner look-alike contest, rabies vaccinations, low-cost microchipping and dog-related vendors and services.

The costume contest winner was Sadie, a dog owned by Sherry Konig of San Leandro, Calif. She was dressed as the singer Pink. Her outfit included false eye lashes, a scarf, leggings and other accessories--all pink, of course. Konig will receive a one-year supply of Canidae dog food from Sam’s Downtown Feed & Pet Supply.

The event showcased 90 vendors, most local, including All Hounds Apparel, An-Jan Feed & Pet Supply, Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods, Canidae, Critter Couch Co., Earthbath, Gussied Up Dog Boutique, Happy Go Lucky Dog Boutique & Barkery, Morris Animal Foundation, Nancy’s Dog Paws Boutique, Pet DRx Veterinary Group Inc., Pooch Hotel and Wags-N-Wear.

Since 1996, Bark in the Park has invested more than $85,000 in its greater community. This year's event benefits the Humane Society Silicon Valley, the San Jose Animal Care Center and the Campus Community Association.

Bark in the Park sponsors included Canidae, Sam’s Downtown Feed & Pet Supply, Pet DRx Veterinary Group, Bow Wowzer, Canine Corral Dog Daycare, Pooch Hotel, Paws Crossing Pet Resort, SPOTS, the Humane Society Silicon Valley and San Jose Animal Care Center, among others.

Next year’s event will take place Sept. 18.