The UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History is making the dog days of summer official.

To mark National Dog Day on Aug. 26, the museum will host the Dog Days of Summer event so dog lovers, dogs and families can unite and celebrate man’s best friend. The event is free and will be held on the museum’s south lawn from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Co-sponsored by the Greenhill Humane Society, dogs and their owners can explore dog-friendly Eugene business displays, make their own dog toys and snap some selfies with their furry friends in the dog and human photo booth.

“This is the first time we’ve done something like this,” said Kristin Strommer, communications and marketing specialist at the museum. The event reflects both the expertise of museum staff and the Explore Oregon exhibit.

“The Dog Days event will be a fun way to connect dog lovers with our new Explore Oregon exhibit, which features a wonderful display on the evolution of dogs, and with a variety of dog-friendly organizations in Lane County,” Strommer said.

Lucky Dog Day Care, Dog & Cat training school and Wags! Dog Emporium are among the dog-friendly businesses that will take part. Dog treats will be available, and families are encouraged to bring a picnic, blankets and maybe a few Frisbees.

For those curious about the origins of their furry friends, Edward B. Davis, museum paleontologist and a geological sciences professor, will present “The Mysterious Incident of the the Dog in Miocene.” The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. and will explore the evolution of dogs and carnivores.

―By Corinne Boyer, Public Affairs Communications intern