Dog lovers gathered Saturday at The Rotunda in Hampden to celebrate their furry friends and honor National Dog Day.

"Dogs just kind of changed everything. I feel like having my dogs … it's like therapy for me," said Baimba Manoba, who saw the event happening after leaving the gym and ran home to get his three goldendoodles, Taz, Bear and Axel.

The Maryland SPCA and MCB Real Estate hosted the event. The SPCA, an animal rescue organization, is hosting events all week to celebrate National Dog Day, including a happy hour at Union Craft Brewing on Wednesday and another festival next Saturday at the Avenue at White Marsh with more adoptable animals, games and vendors.

The SPCA is also waiving adoption fees throughout August as part of Maryland 3000, a statewide campaign involving participating animal shelters with the goal of finding homes for at least 3,000 animals during the month.

"We're here to not only celebrate animals getting adopted, but we're here to also celebrate dogs everywhere and the jobs that dogs do for us and the love that they give us," said Katie Flory, SPCA director of community care and advocacy.

National Dog Day is celebrated annually on Aug. 26 to recognize dogs of all breeds and raise awareness about dogs in need of adoption. The observance was founded in 2004 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige and also recognizes working dogs that provide services, including canines partnered with law enforcement, search and rescue, along with those who assist people with disabilities.

At least two puppies and several kittens were adopted at the event, Flory said.

There were plenty of activities for dogs: bobbing for hot dogs, a paw print station and a ball pit. Early in the day, SPCA hosted competitions for "cutest butt" and "longest tongue." For pet parents who could get their pups to sit still for long enough, a portrait artist was doing colorful sketches.

Duke, an 8-year-old golden retriever, managed to focus on a treat long enough to get his portrait done.

"He is the quintessential golden retriever. Doesn't leave your side. He likes people more than other dogs," Duke's human, Kyle Daniels, said. "We just came out here to enjoy what was going on. I hadn't been here before, and this is amazing."

Other Baltimore animal-loving organizations came out to celebrate, including Chesapeake Search Dogs. Amanda Kramer and Willkie, a chocolate Labrador in training, were there seeking volunteers and donations for supplies, along with teaching people about their search dogs, who work with first responders to track down missing people.

"Without the community support, we can't do what we do," Director Evelyn Kim said.

For those looking to adopt or support animals beyond the event, the SPCA maintains maryland3000.org, a website compiling animals available for adoption at participating shelters across the state. The organization also accepts pet supplies and monetary donations.

Mbaimba Manobah attends the National Dog Day Festival benefiting the Maryland SPCA at The Rotunda in Hampden with his three dogs, Axel, from left, Bear and Taz. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Duke keeps his focus on a piece of French fries over the artist's head as he sits for a portrait at the National Dog Day Festival benefiting the Maryland SPCA at The Rotunda in Hampden. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Wilkie, right, in training with Amanda Kramer, top, Operational Flanker with Chesapeake Search Dogs, meet with two Great Pyrenees therapy dogs during National Dog Day Festival benefiting the Maryland SPCA at The Rotunda in Hampden. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Matilda the Boston Terrier plays in a pool of balls at the National Dog Day Festival benefiting the Maryland SPCA at The Rotunda in Hampden. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Mekia Gaskins, left, reacts to a portrait of her toy poodle Winnie as she and husband Anthony attend the National Dog Day Festival benefiting the Maryland SPCA at The Rotunda in Hampden. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Show Caption1 of 6Veronica Cruz, right, of Scallywags Animal Rescue in Oxford, Pa., shows off Talia, left, who is available for adoption at the National Dog Day Festival at The Rotunda in Hampden. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)Expand

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