I live in The Beaches, so I don't find it strange when I walk by the various dog bakeries and other puppy targeted retail storefronts. As such, when the idea of "Doggie High Tea" is mentioned, my first thought is "so the #$% what?"

Regardless of my reactions to what I once considered bizarre (when I moved to Toronto from Montreal in 2005, I nearly had a 5#!7 fit when a Saint Bernard drooled on my shoes while riding the 501 street car), your puppy, like you were as a teenager, likes to party. I don't think Jimi's playing (maybe Dogstar will show up, though), but Woofstock 2007 should be high on your puppy's list of must-pee-and-poop on events this summer.

EDIT: New schedule announced, see below for details.

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Quick Jump to Schedule

And it's gonna be a riot for you as well.

Front Street is going to be closed from Jarvis until (almost) Yonge street for the canine cavorting. Admission is free for anyone and their pooches; I'm not sure if cats are allowed, but I'd wager that felines would prefer to not be dragged to their imminent deaths. More than 200 companies are going to be hawking all sorts of free samples for Fido as well, which he can always use since he's ashamed he was given such an unoriginal and dumb name like Fido.

There's what's called the Doggie Designer Challenge, where the audience will be asked to vote for their favorite canine couturier in the Doggie Designer Challenge in which eight Doggie Designers will present their most fetching outfits. If you don't know whether to laugh or cry, the best idea is to show up and do both when in doubt.

Organizers are also looking for dogs who've survived cancer. If your puppy is a survivor, then he or she is likely in serious need of scones. In fact, if you check on him or her right now, I'll bet they're already trying to keep whatever passes for a dog's pinky out. They're practicing for Doggie High Tea, which is happening at The Royal Meridian King Edward Hotel. Make sure to get in touch at info@woofstock.ca as places are limited.

Major Event Schedule for Woofstock
Saturday June 9 and Sunday June 10
In and around The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood
(The Main Stage is located in Berczy Park, Front and Scott Streets).

12:00 pm Extreme Doggie Makeover (Main Stage)
Winners of the Extreme Doggie Makeover Contest will be introduced each day in all their shaggy glory. After their transformation, they will return to the stage at 2pm.

12:05 pm Old Navy Fashion Show (Main Stage)
Come and see doggies on the catwalk, strutting their stuff! Furry Fashionistas will love the canine fashion show.

12:30 pm Purina Presents "Dogs Can't Talk" With Dale Stavroff (Main Stage)
Renowned dog trainer and author of the book, Let The Dog Decide, Dale Stavroff will answer questions posed by children from the audience about training their dogs.

1:00 pm The Stupid Dog Trick Contest (Main Stage)
Potential canine idols can strive for 'top dog' in the WOOFSTOCK Stupid Dog Trick Contest.

2:00 pm Ms. & Mr. Canine Canada (Main Stage)
Limelight hogs have the opportunity to shine in the Ms. and Mr. Canine Canada Pageant.

3:00 pm Best Costume Contest (Main Stage)
Participants express their "inner dog" by flaunting their favourite costume.

Saturday June 9 Only
10:15 a.m. & 3:15 p.m. Doggie Birthday Party (The Kitchen - St. Lawrence South Market)
Learn how to bake your dog a Birthday Cake and dogs celebrating a birthday in June can come to The Kitchen for a piece of Doggie Birthday Cake.

Sunday June 10 Only
11:00 a.m. Rescue Me Walk-A-Thon (Berczy Park)
The Rescue Me Walk-A-Thon, in support of canine rescue across Ontario, kicks off at 11am.

WOOFSTOCK 2007
Saturday, June 9th & Sunday, June 10th -- 10am to 6pm throughout The Historic St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood
ADMISSION IS FREE!
Information: 416.410.1310 Detailed schedule available at www.woofstock.ca/