BY KELLY URBAN
ASHVILLE — It’s a party that’s going to the dogs – literally.
Lois Fogle, owner of Fogle’s Dog Training & Boarding, has been throwing a birthday party for her dogs for years at the 150-acre facility on Mark Hanna Road.
The event has generated so much attention that more than 100 people and 80 dogs attended last year’s celebration.
The birthday boy Saturday will be Buddy, a golden retriever who will turn 14.
He and some other lucky pooches will get to chow down on birthday cake and cupcakes made especially for canines.
“We started doing this when some of our other dogs turned 10, and we’ve just kept doing it,” Fogle said.
“We have a good turnout and have a big facility here, so it’s a day for people to come together with their dogs and enjoy each other’s company.”
The guest list includes Fogle’s previous clients and those who have purchased puppies from her business.
“We like to keep in touch with everyone after they leave us and ask them to send us pictures and e-mails,” she said.
While at the party, guests will be treated to demonstrations by dogs in the training school.
“People just love this because they can come here and turn the dogs loose and they can run around,” Fogle said
“I think because there isn’t another dog park around, people like to come here with their pets and enjoy the trails and the peace and quiet.”
She added that she never expected the party to take off as it has because it started as a simple affair with family and a few close friends.
Now Fogle hosts Halloween, Memorial Day and Christmas parties for her four-legged friends.
“Everything we do has the dogs in mind,” she said.
“It’s just a love for the animals.”
The party is not open to the public.
For information on what the facility offers, call 942-8431.
