WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP — From nose to tail, thousands of dogs signaled their approval of Sunday's Dog Fest.

        Noses were working full-time as dogs checked out new friends at the third annual event, held at the township's Voice of America Park.

        While they might not have been the largest dogs present, father-and-son Irish wolfhounds Duncan and Reilly came close.

        “What have they liked best? The shade,” said their owner, Scott Kerr of Mason. “They also like all the attention.”

        A few minutes later, Duncan and Reilly encountered the festival's smallest dogs, a trio of chihuahuas. Demeanor remained civil all around, although tiny Mia did bare her teeth briefly.

        “I think she's getting a complex about how small she is,“ said Mia's owner, Krista Veverka of Deer Park.

        Despite a busy roster of events and activities for festival-goers, most dogs clearly just wanted to have fun and socialize. Mixed-breed puppy Millie, like many of her cohorts, had fun splashing in puddles left from recent rains.

        Karen and Jeff Miller of West Chester entered 15-week-old Payton in the tail-wagging contest. The puppy, who had a lot to wag, showed that tail-wagging is compatible with almost any other activity.

        “She's mainly just looking for other dogs to play with,” said Mr. Miller, as Payton charmed two stodgy older dogs.

        Dog Fest organizers, who had predicted that attendance would hit 10,000, were pleased both with the turnout and the atmosphere.

        “This is a bigger event than last year, people-wise as well as dog-wise,” said township employee Chrisbell Bednar. “Word has really gotten out. This is the event just to bring your dog and enjoy yourself. People who don't have dogs come to find out what breed best suits their lifestyle. There's a lot of education and awareness.”

        The festival area was large enough to accommodate two-footed participants, who visited the booths of pet-oriented vendors and animal organizations.

        Emma, an English springer spaniel belonging to Mike and Karen Connolly of Hamilton, capped off a successful run at the cookie toss by bounding into her owner's arms.

        “This is a great event,“ said Mrs. Connolly. “You can spend the day with your pet. We don't have any children so this is our kid thing.”

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