Hippies and puppies in the park

Dogs give us so much joy. Sometimes, just looking at one’s face can send our anxiety level plummeting (see: www.cuteoverload.com, www.icanhascheezburger.com and www.boothedog.net). We humans employ our four-legged canine friends as actors, hunters, guards, rescuers, therapists and guides. So why not give them back a little bit of the unconditional love we get from them?

If you’re not already a dog lover, you might become one after this weekend’s Woofstock festival in Rocklin. The annual Woodstock-themed dog event benefiting various local canine-rescue organizations celebrates everything canine related. Bring your dog to enjoy a 3k dog walk/run, an open dog park, dog talent competitions, dog-themed art, dog races, costume competitions and dog-adoption opportunities. Additionally, there will be vendors, food (both for humans and dogs) and music from local party band Mad Dash. Sunday, August 26; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; free. Johnson-Springview Park, 5480 Fifth Street in Rocklin; (916) 768-9781; www.woofstocknorcal.com.

Here’s a rough (pun intended) schedule from the event’s website:

9 a.m.: A 3K run/walk begins (registration opens at 8:30 a.m.).

10 a.m.: Most of Woofstock’s events begin at various park locations at 10 a.m., including an art show, a costume contest, the Mr. and Mrs. Woofstock contest, an agility competition, and a calendar giveaway. Rescue Row also opens for adoptions, the dog park opens, free play on the field begins, dog-training instruction begins and That’s My Dog contest entries are accepted.

10:45 a.m.: Woofstock trivia contest begins.

11 a.m.: Dog training demonstrations and wiener dog races begin.

11:30 a.m.: That’s My Dog contest winners announced.

11:45 a.m.: Pet Idol contest winners announced.

Noon: Mad Dash performs a variety of oldies and current top 40 hits.