Dogs at Renaissance Fair love life

Canine event-goers at local festival enjoyed playing in sunshine with children, sniffing out snacks

Four-year-old+Isla+Roth+hugs+a+miniature+shnauzer+named+Star+at+East+City+Park+in+Moscow+during+the+Renaissance+Fair+on+May+4.

PAIGE CAMPBELL | THE DAILY EVERGREEN

Four-year-old Isla Roth hugs a miniature shnauzer named Star at East City Park in Moscow during the Renaissance Fair on May 4.

MAGGIE QUINLAN, Evergreen reporter

Moscow’s annual Renaissance Fair brought artisans and vendors from across the region to East City Park and also drew in dogs and their families.

While humans investigated candles made out of river rocks, hammocks and handmade jewelry, canine visitors explored smells from food vendors and other roaming pets.

Jody Braun, a retired Lewiston resident, said she came to the fair last year with her daughter and decided to join her again, this time with her new rescue, Tiny. She said the 9-year-old Dachshund and Miniature Pinscher mix’s previous owners didn’t want him.

“They were ready to kill him out back,” Braun said. “He’s just been the perfect little companion.”

Older dogs like Tiny moseyed slowly while groups of young dogs mingled, tangled their leashes and licked kids. One poodle mix sat quietly and watched the fair’s bagpipe procession and dragon dance with his owner.

Roger Lew, a research assistant professor in virtual technology and design at the University of Idaho, discouraged his 6-month-old golden retriever Oliver from eating grass. Lew said Oliver enjoyed meeting people but that wasn’t his favorite part of the fair.

“Definitely the grass, that’s high up there,” Lew said.