As one of the few public gardens in the Pacific Northwest that welcomes leashed pups, we’re rolling out the green carpet for our four-legged friends with Heronswoof — our 3rd annual tail-wagging celebration just for them! 

Join us for a paw-some day filled with pup-approved festivities, including a doggie treasure trail, tasty treats for canines and humans alike, and lots of wag-worthy fun. Whether your pooch is a party pup or a shy sniffer, there's something for everyone.

June 7, 2025 | 10:00am - 2:00pm

Event Schedule

11:00 am – 12:00 noon | Dr. Christin Finn, DVM: “Learn to be your dog’s best therapist”

Dr. Finn will offer a hands-on workshop for providing healing and relaxing bodywork for your dog.  She’ll have a book signing for her new book, “Love Letter from The Circle of Life with Animals:  Finding Gratitude and Beauty in Heartbreak and Grief.”

12:00 noon – 12:45 pm | Vickie Josal, CPDT-KA: “Understanding Dog Body Language”

Vickie is a certified dog trainer and staffer at KARE (Kitsap Animal Rescue and Education).  Her workshop will go over what dog body language looks like, how to greet a dog and how to take care of a dog.  She will also have a registered Therapy Dog Team with her, so children can learn about therapy and service dogs and how to interact with them.

12:45 pm – 1:30 pm | Heidi Ruegg and Suzanne Martin, Olympic Canine Collective: “Welcome to Dog Nosework”

Learning nosework is great for building confidence in shy dogs, giving active dogs an outlet for energy, and help reactive dogs overcome environmental sensitivity.  Best of all, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog and is fun for both! 

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Dr. Shelby Watson, DMV:  “Mood Food:  Exploring the Link Between Diet and Pet Behavior and Mental State”

Dr. Watson, owner and practitioner at Balanced Pet NW, will discuss how diet influences pet mental health and behavior, with ideas for diet and supplements that can have positive effects on your pet’s emotional state and behavioral expression.

In-House Activities

• Dog ice cream social
• Puppacinos for all!
• Little Boston Library activity
• Art activity for kids
• Treasure Trail:  Walk through the garden with treat stops along the way!
• Wag bags

Raffle

• A dog’s dream-come-true basket of treats and toys

Tablers / Vendors

• CB’s Nuts (Locally roasted organic peanut butter) 
• NW Kitsap Animal Rescue and Education
• Gastropup
• Dr. Christine Finn, DMV/Mackenzie, assistant  (Book signing table)
• Daisy Nelson (People Food)
• John and Michelle Price (People Food)
• S’Klallam Wooly Dog display
• Dr. Watson tabling space