By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast
Dog lovers and their four-legged friends will have a chance to enjoy an afternoon of music, games, food and community at Woofstock 2026 this Saturday in North Platte.
Paws-itive Partners will host the dog-themed fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. August 22 at Memorial Park. Organizers are encouraging residents to bring their dogs, kids and friends for what they describe as a dog festival centered around fun and community.
The event will feature free pup cups, grab bags, dog prizes and games, along with contests including best dressed dog, best trick and best smile. Attendees will also be able to purchase a barbecue lunch for $6.
A variety of vendors are expected to take part, including Al's Smokehouse, Jammin' Ladies, Community Connections, Pawsitively Purrfect Pet Shop and Lisa Byers 3D Prints.
Organizers say the event will also include music and plenty of opportunities for dogs and their owners to participate. Water will be available at the park to help keep pets comfortable during the event.
While Woofstock is designed to be a fun day for pet owners, it also serves as an opportunity for Paws-itive Partners to introduce more people to the organization's work in the community.
Paws-itive Partners focuses on helping pet owners keep their animals safe and in their homes through education and support. The organization provides vouchers for low-cost spay and neuter services and operates a pet food bank for community members who need assistance feeding their animals.
The organization can also help connect pet owners with emergency foster care when they are hospitalized or otherwise temporarily unable to care for their animals. Foster and care options are also available for people who may unexpectedly need assistance with their pets while traveling or away from home.
For Destiny Malcolm and Melissa Walker, who have both been involved with Paws-itive Partners for about six months, the organization is about more than caring for animals — it's about helping people understand how to better care for their pets.
Malcolm said she has always had a passion for animals and has helped several animals through her work with Paws-itive Partners.
"It's best to educate instead of discipline," Malcolm said.
Walker, who has six large-breed rescue dogs of her own, said she quickly became passionate about the organization's mission after being invited to attend a meeting.
Both said Woofstock provides a chance to bring that mission to a wider audience.
Paws-itive Partners will have information available at the event about the services it provides, along with organization merchandise and information about its sponsors.
Organizers say community members can also stop by simply to learn more about Paws-itive Partners and the resources available to local pet owners.
Woofstock 2026 will be held Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Park in North Platte.
For more information, Paws-itive Partners Woofstock 2026 can be found on Facebook.