Cristen Baumann’s daughter Brianna with a buddy at Wagfest.

Thousands of good boys and good girls came out for Elmbrook Humane Society’s 12th annual Wagfest on Saturday, September 7, at Brookfield’s Mitchell Park, accompanied by around 5,000 human owners. And North Shore Bank was part of the furry fun.

“Our booth gets very busy!” reported district manager Cristen Baumann. “We have several customers visit us — one husband and wife from our Mequon branch attend every year.”

Peggy Theisen, Maria Baumer, and Casey Kopacz at our Wagfest booth.

Cristen’s daughter Brianna, 11, helped out at the event, along with Brookfield Square branch manager Maria Baumer, deposit services manager (and EBHS volunteer) Natalie Canadeo, Brookfield Capitol teller Casey Kopacz, and debt risk specialist Peggy Theisen.

Deposit services supervisor Kristin Hoch stopped by with her dog Echo.

Over 100 vendors exhibit at Wagfest, selling pet supplies and treats. The day also features lure courses and agility events for the pups, along with music, food, and activities for two-legged attendees.

“It is the only place you will see 50 Great Danes in one place and a mountain of sweet rescued dogs that found their forever family,” Cristen said. “And then through conversation, you learn that the dog rescued their owner and are helping them with socializing and friendships too.”

This guy stopped for a quick nip at the “Puptini Lounge.”

The lucky pooches in attendance also get to enjoy “puptinis” — chicken broth with hot dogs in it. And this year drew some surprising visitors.

Senior infrastructure specialist Wendy Repka and husband Tim came by with pups Brandy and Lily. Direct leasing manager Jason McKinney and his family also visited.

“Two cats braved the event,” Cristen said. “One has his own business card — he visits schools and sits on kids’ laps while they read.” The feline interloper was presumably comfortable in the mutt-saturated environment, though, as he shares a home with six dogs.