WAG the DOG's tail AT SWIC activities for pup

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Being a cooped-up pup inside an air-conditioned fortress from the summer sun can be a daunting proposition.

So give a dog a break and take him or her outside to the Dog Days Outdoor Activities at the Southwestern Illinois College Schmidt Art Center June 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event coincides with the Dog Days of Summer exhibit going on now until July 29 at ?the Schmidt.

"Dogs are art at the Schmidt - as you can see in our latest show," said Schmidt Art Center Director Libby Reuter. "So we think that giving them a chance to play at SWIC is a great way to further demonstrate how much we love them."

The event costs $5 per dog and $10 for their humans to attend, while children under 12 can come for free.

Proceeds will benefit Gateway Pet Guardians and their work with stray dogs in East St. Louis; and children's programs at the Schmidt.

Aside from signing in, dogs are asked to be on a leash for the event and have all of their shots. Once those needs are met, activities are plentiful that day.

As an example, a pooch can start the day by taking a walk on the Amlung Nature Trail with their humans and meet other dogs.

After they have warmed up their muscles, dogs can have fun with do-it-yourself agility course.

Once their workout is complete, the dogs can relax by having their nails clipped by veterinarians and veterinary technicians from the Lashley Animal Hospital as their humans learn about caring for their dogs from the professionals.

The dogs can go on to get a snack. Hot dogs, soda and ice cream made especially for dogs

will be available to temper their appetites. Some food for humans will be available, too.

Representatives from Country Estate Kennels will be on hand to provide information about their luxury dog accommodations should a dog ever need to go on vacation.

Later, dogs can have their portrait drawn by pet artist Kay Renner for $10.

At 10:30 a.m., demonstrations will begin on a stage next to the art center and at 11 a.m. a pet talent show, hosted by Julie Tristan of Show Me St. Louis, will reward the most amazing pooch with a basket of treats. The entry fee for the show is $5.

And for those dogs that don't yet own a human, Gateway Pet Guardians will be on hand with rescued dogs available for adoption.

The Dog Days of Summer exhibit features dog sculptures from the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog and paintings of trees by Raymond Yeager of Jacksonville, Ill.

The sculptures show many breeds in a variety of poses and the paintings might describe how a dog sees a tree, Reuter said.

For more information on the art exhibit or the Dog Days outdoor activities, humans can contact the Schmidt Art Center at 618-222-5278 or visit schmidtart.SWIC.edu.