Fetch the action at Woofstock pet-adoption festival

Calling all dog lovers and their pooches for a day of treats, tricks and lots of barking along Richmond's historic Monument Avenue.

On Saturday, the Richmond Animal League will host its second annual Woofstock festival to raise funds and awareness for pet adoption.

To kick off the event, dog owners and their furry friends are invited to participate in the "Strut Your Mutt" walk at 9:30 a.m. on Monument, between Allen Avenue and Lombardy Street. Organizations and groups can create a "pack" of walkers by registering online to collect pledges and donations to turn in Saturday. However, all dogs and their humans are welcome and encouraged to participate and collect donations individually; there is no preregistration requirement. Walk-up registration begins at 9 a.m. the day of event.

A $5 donation is requested for admission. Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination and be on a leash.

After the walk on Monument, activities for all breeds, whether it's bobbing for squeaky treats or cooling down in the doggie bath, will begin at 10 a.m.

DJ Howard Harper will crank up the music until noon, when the Chris Adams Band plays the first of three sets.

At 10:30 a.m., you can check out the latest in doggie fashion, from personalized collars to designer leashes, at PetSmart's Doggie Fashion Show. The RAL Alumni Parade at 11:30 a.m. will feature a handful of the 400 dogs adopted from among the nearly 800 animals RAL rescued last year. They will be led by their adoptive parents.

Later, dogs dressed in their best outfits can compete in the Doggie Costume Contest at 1:15 p.m., or they can waltz across the grass with their owners at the Doggie Dance Contest at 2:45 p.m. Gift baskets and doggie bags will be awarded for both contests. Throughout the day, dogs may try their paws at the agility course, while their owners enjoy food from local vendors.

Participants are also invited to visit Gracie, a 4-year-old pit bull rescued from Michael Vick's Bad Newz Kennels. With her loving temperament, "Gracie is a good example of what people need to think of about the pit bull breed," said Susan Kelly, RAL's director of development.

RAL has operated a no-kill animal-rescue facility in Richmond for more than 30 years. The group will be joined at Woofstock by more than 20 local animal rescue groups, adding to the five from last year.

Last year's festival brought out nearly 1,500 people and raised more than $45,000 for rescued animals' housing, medical treatment, sterilization and care. This year, RAL hopes to double the turnout and the amount of money raised.

"I am excited to see people come out and learn more about rescue while having a good time," Kelly said. "We want to show that rescuing is an economic option, even in these times, because the animals already have their shots and have been spayed or neutered."