DEWEY BEACH — The annual Doodles in Dewey event is back for its 18th year, Friday through April 30 with events throughout the weekend in the Rehoboth/Dewey/Lewes area. The popular “Doodle Romp,” which attracts every type of Doodle breed and their owners, has been happening since 2005 and has grown each year.

In 2022, more than 1,000 people and 600 Doodles from 14 states and the District of Columbia registered, raising more than $30,000 for PAWS for People’s pet therapy programs.

“We are so pleased to once again host this fun, spirit-filled event which provides critical funding to further our mission. The proceeds from the weekend will provide impactful, healing pet therapy visits to those in need of a furry visitor in our community, continuing the founder’s vision to Love Doodles, Do Good and Have Fun,” said Clarice Ritchie, interim executive director of PAWS for People.

Friday starts with a Doodle Parade and Costume Contest at 5:30 p.m. on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. It begins at the bandstand. Registration opens at 4 p.m.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the Doodle Romp on Dewey Beach.

This main event is a time for people and their Doodles to gather on the beach and enjoy the day together. Vendors will be onsite.

Yappy Hour events will be held at restaurants throughout the weekend in the Eastern Sussex area.

Registration is at PAWSforPeople.org/doodles. It’s $15 per person ages 13 and older; children under 12 free.

Doodles are free but need to have a Dewey Beach dog license, which will be available for purchase at the event.

PAWS for People is nonprofit organization committed to providing hope, encouragement and comfort to people in need through interaction with a gentle, affectionate pet. PAWS trains and certifies caring people and their well-trained pets to interact with community members of all ages throughout Delaware and the surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.

PAWS offers programs that address a range of physical, emotional and mental needs in a wide variety of sites including hospitals, eldercare facilities, courthouses, rehabilitation centers, colleges, schools, libraries, corporate offices and more.

In addition, PAWS for Reading and PreK PAWS teams provide sessions to help children enjoy reading while improving their literacy skills with the comfort of a non-judgmental therapy pet.