Hi friends, Mack here. Last weekend, my parents took me to the most magical place in Thunder Bay for a dog: Ribfest.

Every year, the city gathers to celebrate the holy union of meat, smoke, and sauce. My parents decided I should tag along because (1) it’s dog friendly, and (2) apparently, nothing says ‘family outing’ like waiting in line for ribs while your doodle turns into a celebrity.

Now, let me just say: the smells. Oh. My. Goodness. Meat sizzling. Ribs smoking. BBQ sauce dripping. If heaven exists, I’m pretty sure it smells like Ribfest. My nose was working overtime – I almost sprained it from all the sniffing.

But here’s the thing: while Ribfest is amazing, it’s also… a lot. The smoke, the loud music, the kids, the people who all want to pet me (which, to be fair, is understandable). I started feeling overwhelmed. Little humans hugged me. Lots of people gave me pats. The line was long, and I did something I’ve never done before – I just laid down. Right there. In the middle of Ribfest. Mom knew that meant I was overstimulated, so she took me to a quiet spot to recharge. (Thanks, Mom. You always get me.)

And that brings me to an important doodle PSA: etiquette when you see a dog in public.

Here are my top tips:

1. Always ask before petting. Not all dogs love surprise hugs. Some of us need a little personal space.
2. Watch body language. If a dog looks stressed, backs away, or tries to hide behind their human, give them space.
3. Don’t feed dogs without asking. Even if you think you’re being nice. (Side note: Mom and Dad snuck me some cornbread, and yes, it was life changing. But still, ask first.)
4. Keep greetings calm. Especially with kids, loud squeals and sudden movements can be overwhelming.
5. Remember we’re in training too. Crowds, smells, and noises are a lot for us to process. A little patience goes a long way.

Despite my moment of overwhelm, Ribfest was still a blast. I got endless compliments (“What kind of dog is he?” “He’s so curly!” “Can I trade my ribs for him?”). I soaked up attention like the doodle diva I am. Honestly, events like this remind me that everywhere I go, I’m basically the main attraction. Ribs may have been the headliner, but let’s face it, I was the star.

Until next year, Ribfest (paws crossed there’s a dog friendly rib booth in 2026!).