PICS: Kawakawa's Bark in the Park attracts 250 dogs and their owners

Liam and Jason MacKay with Jake at the Bark in the Park event for dogs in Kawakawa on Saturday.

The organisers of Saturday's Bark in the Park in Kawakawa had their leashes crossed that people and their canine companions would turn out in droves. And they did.

"What an amazing day, way better than we hoped," Leonie Exel said.

"More than 700 people passed through, and best of all they came with their dogs, at least 250 pooches, which is amazing."

The day, which featured a puparazzi competition, displays by police and conservation dogs, agility and obedience demonstrations, and a canine cool-off zone with paddling pools and dog ice blocks, raised more than $3300 for Bay of Islands Animal Rescue, which would enable Summer Johnson to keep on doing what she did best, saving impounded pups.

"See you next year for bigger and better," she said.

Becky Mills and her dog Lennex at Bark in the Park.

Jada-Rae Main, with pooch Mia at the Bark in the Park event for dogs in Kawakawa on Saturday.

Neisha Matheson and Rac (a two-year-old German Shepherd) watching the police dog demonstration.

Seven-year-old Harry the Wolf Hound and his owner Marie Swanson from Kerikeri.

Roz Simich with her baby Shobaka, a two-year-old Mastiff-Lab cross. Roz said that Shobaka just loves company and being touched.

'Poo Fairy' Jillian Kearney with the tools of her trade at the Bark in the Park event in Kawakawa. The Poo fairy is a BOI Watchdog's initiative to encourage people to pick up their dog's droppings.