MARYSVILLE – Organizers Leslie and Doug Buell said the 10th Annual Poochapalooza at Asbery Field last weekend was a howling success.

They and Marysville Dog Owners Group volunteers have seen the event grow from 2,000 in 2006 to 3,600 over the six-hour event this year. The number of dogs was estimated at 4,000.

Poochapalooza is M-DOG’s main annual fundraising event to raise money for needs at the Strawberry Fields Rover Off-Leash Park, which the group maintains and operates under stewardship with the Marysville Parks Department. M-DOG hopes to put the funds toward more seating at the park, repairs to the shed roof and upgrades to fencing. Last year’s proceeds got the agility course equipment purchased and installed.

Event-goers and their dogs got to watch demonstrations, including lure coursing, barn hunt, dancing dogs, fashion show for adoptable dogs and agility course running; dogs participated in races, wacky pet contests, Canine Good Citizen Testing, dessert dash and other activities.

“We really want to give dogs the day out that they deserve. Unlike most family outings, the dog isn’t just along for the ride,” Doug Buell said. Poochapalooza was inspired by the Buells own dog, Lucky Puppy, a Patterdale Terrier who was scrounging around alley dumpsters in Everett before they adopted him at the Everett Animal Shelter.

Contest Winners

Best Costume: Monika Wolak, Mill Creek, Ciapek, lion

Best Voice: Jaime Curtis, Snohomish, Francy

Best Kisser: Tanya Crawford, Camano Island, Bear

Running of the Wieners, Beginners: First, Kieryn Cotton, Betteridge, Ducky; Second, Mitch Huffine, Marysville, Russell. Intermediate/Advanced: First, Jaclyn Tucker, Seattle, Booker; Second, Colleen Mooney, Selah, Mina.

Pie Eating, Big Dog: Crawford, Bear, Weimareiner

Teacup Tango: Audra McLain, Bellingham, Buttercup

Mid-Size Marathoners: First, Anne-Marie Burrell, Seattle, Bubba Dum Dum; Second, Bob Sheldon, Rocksie

Highest Jumper: Crawford, Amadaya

Wackiest Pet Trick: Mike Vorkapich, Sultan, D’Argo

Biggest Dog: JT Ayrhart, Memphis, great dane

Smallest Dog: Renee Reeve, Lake Stevens, Daffy, chihuahua