PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Main Street in Manayunk was bustling with furry, four-legged companions and their owners Saturday for Dog Day of Summer, a street festival celebrating the bond between dogs and their loving owners.
Dozens of vendors lined the sidewalks offering services and products to pamper the pups. Artemis, a one-year-old dog, had her nails trimmed by Stephanie Karina, owner of Philly’s Paws and Claws.
Karina said the event will help attract more customers to her business in Northwest Philadelphia.
“It’s so important for us to get to know our community. We’ve even had people from Delaware County come to see us,” Karina said. “It’s just nice to get to know other dogs and other families.”
Artemis’ owner, Chan Hatton, was excited to socialize the puppy.
“We want to get her here with other dogs and socialize her. This girl loves to have fun,” Hatton said. “The incredible amount of happiness and joy that dogs can bring you, especially when things aren’t looking good, is undeniable.”
Also present at the event was Pawtrait Pop-Up, a photography shop where dogs dressed up in their best outfits and posed for photos.
Matt Caserta, the photographer behind the lens, thoroughly enjoyed his time shooting the portraits.
“I love it,” Caserta said. “I did wedding photography for eight years and decided that dogs were for me.”
In addition to photos, the dogs enjoyed doggie cups, doggie sundaes and even the chance to try a special dog-friendly drink — an “Espresso Pup-Tini.” Makayla Bowman, who normally provides beverages for humans with her Manayunk-based business M&M Mobile Bar Company, adapted her business model for the day to offer these dog-friendly treats.
“I actually follow a dog-friendly person on TikTok who makes a lot of dog-friendly snacks and drinks, so I got the idea from there,” Bowman explained.
The festival was a success with both the dogs and their owners, who did everything they could to make their pets have a special day.
“They feel like celebrities!” said Anthony Malenstinic, a dog owner. His partner Christina Rennie agreed.
“Yes, there are celebrities down here!” said Rennie.
