FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP — You don't have to be a dog to participate in today's Yorkiefest, but canine status does get you certain perks. Therapeutic massage, for instance.

        The Tristate's first Yorkiefest takes place today at Rentschler Forest Preserve.

IF YOU GO

• What: Yorkiefest    • When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today Noon — Mayor Nye issues Yorkie Day proclamation.    Cookout lunch follows.    • Where: Rentschler Forest Preserve, Reigart Road (near Ohio 4 and Bypass 4).    • Admission: $12, which includes lunch. Information: 942-8027 or www.yorkiefest.com

        Demonstrations of “T Touch,” or massage therapy, will show dog lovers how to address Fifi or Fido's behavioral problems through stroking. Then there are the displays of Yorkshire Terrier agility, obedience and grooming. During the afternoon, Yorkies can compete for titles and perform silly tricks.

        Vendors geared to canine consumers will be on hand, as will several animal rescue organizations, which benefit from the festival's proceeds.

        Yorkiefest is the product of months of organizational work by Becky Brady of Fairfield and several other terrier fanciers.

        “It started with a Yorkie Yahoo! e-mail group,” Ms. Brady explained. “I became friends with these people over the Internet, and we wanted to get together. That just sort of exploded into Yorkiefest.“

        Ms. Brady talked Hamilton mayor Tom Nye into proclaiming Sept. 8 as Yorkie Day. She predicts attendance will top 150, with Yorkies and their companions coming from as far away as South Carolina and Massachusetts.

        All dogs are welcome, Ms. Brady said. Dogs must be on a leash or in a cage.        

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