Who Let the Dogs Out ... in Ferndale?

The dog days of summer take on a literal meaning Thursday with the fourth annual Fido Does Ferndale, organized by the .

Starting at 5 p.m., canines and their owners will take to the streets of downtown Ferndale for several scheduled events:

• 5 p.m.: Pick up your information for the K9 Treasure Hunt at Schiffer Park. Each treasure hunt location will be marked with a "PAWS HERE" sign. A program will also be available to get you to your favorite vendors. (Plus sign up to win a Dyson vacuum and for other pet contests.)
• 6 p.m.: Pooch Parade departs Schiffer Park for a downtown stroll.
• 6-8 p.m.: "Fido Fotos" by Ed Lane of Digital Lane in front of .
• 6:45 p.m.: Dog and owner look-alike contest, a red carpet fashion show and "brilliant" pet tricks at Schiffer Park.
• 7:30 p.m.: Dog training tips at Schiffer Park.
• All evening: Music and canine information at Schiffer Park. Shop at the vendors' booths, drop your donations in canisters all around town and enjoy special activities for children.

"We do this event because Ferndale is a dog-friendly town," said Chris Hughes, DDA marketing and communications manager. "Dogs are welcome here, so we thought we should bring some dog vendors to downtown and hold an event."

Hughes said participating vendors include training organizations, day cars, vets, groomers and adoption organizations.

Last year, Fido Does Ferndale was just getting going when it started to rain. "It really put a damper on the event," Hughes said.

She said the event could have easily brought in a thousand people last summer. This year, she said she doesn't want to speculate how many people will show up, but she's hoping for a lot — and for a lot less rain.

The weather is expected to be hot, but don't worry, Hughes said — the DDA will place giant water bowls throughout the downtown area for the thirsty dogs.

As far as activities go, Hughes said the K9 Treasure Hunt should be fun. "Twenty-one businesses downtown have agreed to have pet treats in the store for dog owners who pop in," Hughes said.

It'll be a way to introduce downtown patrons to Ferndale businesses and keeping the dogs entertained.

The event is free, but the DDA said there will be donation canisters around town. Donations will go toward a "Fido Foundation" — a drinking fountain just for dogs — at Schiffer Park.

The DDA has also invited dog adoption agencies to bring information on adopting dogs. The pedestrian alley between Designer Resale Boutique and the Ferndale Arts Building will be renamed Adoptions Alley on Thursday.

"It's going to be fun," Hughes said.

And not just for humans, but for dogs, too.