Sterling Ranch Park in Denair was cluttered with canines in costumes and exotic pets for the Walk ‘N Wag event on Sunday.

The event was hosted by the Community Veterinary Clinic in conjunction with Denair Vendors in the Park, and Friends of Turlock Animal Shelter. 

Participants paid a $20 fee to participate in the dog walk and the day included competitions for best pet costume, ugliest dog, and best tricks, each including prizes. Brandon Barrett of Community Veterinary Clinic offered free dental exams for the dogs and Cali FID, an exotic animal rescue nonprofit, brought a petting zoo of adoptable pets including parrots, a tortoise, and iguanas.

The event sought to raise funds for the Friends for Life organization, an animal rescue agency that is a product of the Community Veterinary Clinic and Friends of Turlock Animal Shelter partnership. 

Barrett said he was pleased with the turnout and largely credited his staff.

“The event was to not only raise funds for Friends for Life, but to also provide accessibility for people to bring their pets to Dr. Barrett and enjoy a fun community event,” said Kortney Rocha, office manager at Community Veterinary Clinic and event organizer. 

Rocha estimated that approximately 40 canines participated in the costume competition, 10 in the tricks competition, and only one in the ugliest dog contest.

The event also provided a good turnout for the Denair Vendors in the Park program and the Denair Fire Department, which sold pink t-shirts for breast cancer awareness month.