DOG DAYS OF SUMMER SUCCESS The City of Coos Bay Parks Adopt A Park Pilot Program (AAPPP) held the 2nd Dog Days of Summer event was held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in John Topits Park Middle Empire Lakes. This year the AAPPP was very excited to have The South Coast Shopper partner as co-sponsor for this event! The purpose of the event was to try and complete replacing the remaining 19 posts in the John Topits Park Trail System by soliciting “adopters” for the remaining posts. The price, $60. The routing, painting and placement of posts after adoption had been donated by wood working volunteers and placement by the City of Coos Bay Public Works Department. The event also features a “Dog Strut” to bring attention to August as National Dog Month and Clear the Shelters Month. Donations to those entering the Dog Strut to Friends of Coos County Animals (FOCCAS) was suggested by participants and brought $85 dollars to help our furry friends find forever homes. This event could not take place without our sponsors and volunteers. The City of Coos Bay Parks would like to thank our 19 volunteers who put in 54 hours at the event along with: The South Coast Shopper-co-sponsor and advertising (Logos and other items as noted by Catie Loy e-mail here were 19 volunteers, 56 volunteer hours, with 7 contestants for the Dog Strut. Tracy Pierce from NW Natural donated dog toys, dog towels, dog treats, and gift cards of: (2) $25 Mini Pet Mart, (2) $25 The Boat Fish & Chips Restuarant, and $50 NOBE to the dog strutt winners. Valerie Henson from Ziply Fiber donated pup cups, collapsible dog bowls and other goodies to everyone in attendance. Judges were from the South Coast Shopper: Britney Gordon with her dog Bruno Gordon, Sara Neils, and Catie Loy. Few people came in from the 9:30am-11am time frame so the judges decided to change the Best Costume category to Best Adoption Story to give all contestants a chance. Winners of the contest: Best Adoption Story - Snickers. Owner William Salmon Pawsitively Polite - Sigh. Owner Tina Peek Judges Choice - Sammy. Owner Tom Doyle Markers were steadily being pledged as the time went on. There was 1 left after the winners of the contest were chosen. Carmen Matthews pledged Annie Pollard to take the last remaining post. Thank you to all of the sponsors, adopters, and participants that helped make this event a huge success!Photos from Coos Bay - City Government's post