Dogs Finally Have Their Day

For just one day, dogs ruled at a park here.

More than 1,000 dogs, small and large, were running and panting Saturday at the third annual Off-Leash Dog Faire.

The rambunctious animals had the opportunity to have their pictures taken, zoom through an obstacle course and rest their paws at the Hounds Lounge, a doggy day-care center. A variety of vendors also catered to dogs’ every need.

Judging by the wagging tails and constant barking, the pets were a happy bunch at the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park, at Victory Boulevard and White Oak Avenue.

Mark Weissman of West Hills was eager to test the agility of his 18-month-old Akita, Mickey, on the obstacle course. The dog was hesitant at first, not willing to jump over a set of hurdles and afraid to crawl through a tunnel. But once rewarded with a snack for his efforts, Mickey had no problem polishing off the remainder of challenges.

“We figured we would try it,” Weissman said. “So far he’s impressed me. I didn’t think he would concentrate much on the obstacles, with all of the distractions. This has been fun for him and for me.”

One booth was devoted to animal communication and healing. For $20, two psychics said they could tap into a dog’s mind and learn what was troubling it.

“We try to take it a step further and try to find out what their depression and anxiety stems from,” said animal psychic Christina Redfern. “I make myself a receiver and channel an animal’s energy.”

Nancy Tomasheski of Sherman Oaks said her 2-year-old mixed breed, Gracie, doesn’t have any specific problem, but she wanted to learn more about her dog.

“There wasn’t anything she told us that was earth-shattering,” Tomasheski said. “We are going to do our first agility competition soon, and I wanted to make sure she was ready. I’m satisfied with the reading.”

Money raised from vendor booth fees will go toward improving the dog park. Organizers raised about $4,000 last year and hope to generate enough funds to eventually purchase lights so the park can be used at night, said Lynn Stone, president of the park’s advisory committee. The cost for the lighting is more than $100,000, she said.