Service dog nonprofit hosting Barktoberfest event Saturday in Alfred
Maine’s Barktoberfest Brings Service Dogs and Community Together in Alfred
ALFRED — On Saturday, the spacious grounds of the Walnut Grove Campground in Alfred will turn into a bustling hub of wagging tails, colorful costumes and hopeful volunteers. The second annual Barktoberfest, organized by Mobility Danes of New England, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and welcome Mainers looking to learn about or adopt a mobility service dog.
The event is not just a fundraiser. According to Mobility Danes secretary Karen Boomhower, it is also a chance for people to “get the word out” about the organization’s mission. “It’s just going to be a fun day,” Boomhower told reporters. “Bring a costume for your dog, walk in the parade; it’s not just about raising money, but also about awareness and getting the word out.”
Tickets are $15 on site, but can be purchased for $10 in advance through the event’s online portal. The day’s attractions include a dog‑costume parade, raffles, a food truck and plenty of photo opportunities. The event’s purpose is twofold: to raise money for the organization’s training and matching programs and to connect volunteers and potential recipients with the dogs that need them.
Two Great Danes in training will headline the day. Cashew, a 2‑year‑old, has spent the last few weeks learning to walk beside a trainer as if he were a person with a mobility issue. Volunteer trainer Doug Wiggin has been guiding Cashew through exercises that mimic the support a service dog would give a handler with limited mobility. “Seeing all the dogs that have since graduated from the program and doing what they are trained to do is just the best,” Wiggin said. “Nothing beats that.”
Onyx, another Great Dane in the early stages of training, will be practicing patience and calm around other dogs. Together with Cashew, they will join a group of dogs representing Mobility Danes at the parade. The organization’s board president, Lynn George, explained that many of its recipients are veterans, but the program also serves people with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and other mobility challenges.
Mobility Danes began in 2003 and has since matched more than 200 dogs with owners in need. The organization’s matching process involves Zoom interviews to understand each prospective owner’s gait and mobility needs, ensuring the right dog is paired with the right person. Training typically lasts between one and two years, during which dogs learn balance, temperament, stair navigation and how to help a handler keep moving after a fall.
“The organization is proud of how far it has come,” George said. “Our dogs are trained to be more than pets; they’re partners who make a real difference in people’s lives.”
As the event draws near, volunteers like Wiggin continue to prepare the dogs for their debut. In the back of a Mobility Danes SUV, two puppies—later named Harley and Tanner—listen eagerly to the sounds of the park, ready to join the ranks of the trained dogs that will soon accompany them into the community.
For those interested in attending, the Walnut Grove Campground will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with ticket prices at the gate or online. Whether you’re a dog lover, a potential volunteer, or someone seeking a mobility companion, Barktoberfest promises a day of fun, learning and community connection.
