Doodles in Dewey dog-friendly events set April 25-27

PAWS for People announced Doodles in Dewey will be back for its 20th year with activities to be held Friday to Sunday, April 25 to 27, in and around Dewey Beach.

Attracting every type of doodle breed and their owners, the event has grown steadily since it began in 2005.

In 2024, more than 1,000 people and 600 doodles from 14 states and the District of Columbia registered, raising more than $38,000 to support PAWS for People’s pet therapy programs.

Clarice Ritchie, PAWS for People executive director, said, “We are so pleased to once again host this spirit-filled event which provides critical funding to further our mission. The proceeds from the weekend will provide impactful, healing pet therapy visits to those in our local and regional community who need a furry, friendly visitor. This special  event has been rewarding and fun for everyone involved: doodles, their owners and PAWS!”

A doodle parade and costume contest will begin at 5:30 p.m., Friday, at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and proceed to the Boardwalk. Registration opens at 4 p.m.

The main doodle romp event is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, on Dewey Beach at McKinley Avenue, a time for people and their doodles to gather on the sand and enjoy the liveliness. Vendors will be onsite.

A relaxing morning stretch plus yoga will be offered at 10 a.m., Sunday, on Dewey Beach at McKinley Avenue, with or without doodles in tow.

Yappy hour events will be held at various restaurants throughout the weekend in Dewey, Rehoboth and Lewes.

To register in advance, go to pawsforpeople.org/doodles. Doodles are admitted free but need to have a $5 Dewey dog license, available for purchase online at townofdeweybeach.com/purchaseadoglicense.

PAWS for People is a nonprofit organization committed to providing hope, encouragement and comfort to people in need through interaction with a gentle, affectionate pet. It trains and certifies caring people and their well-trained pets to interact with community members of all ages throughout Delaware and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. PAWS offers programs that address a range of physical, emotional and mental needs at a wide variety of sites including hospitals, eldercare facilities, courthouses, rehabilitation centers, colleges, schools, libraries, corporate offices and more. 

Reading and prekindergarten teams also provide sessions to help children enjoy reading while improving their literacy skills with the encouragement and comfort of a non-judgmental therapy pet.