Blog 01/My Unforgettable Day at the ElderDog Holiday Bark Bazaar at Steele Wheels Motor Museum
There are markets… and then there are dog-friendly markets.
And then—there is the ElderDog Holiday Bark Bazaar at Steele Wheels Motor Museum.
What Makes This Market Stand Out?
I’ve attended many markets over the years, but nothing compares to setting up my little Arkisploot booth inside a museum filled with classic cars, community energy, holiday spirit—and best of all, every type of dog imaginable.
This event wasn’t just a market; it was a celebration of dogs, families, local makers, and the pure joy that ElderDog Canada brings to our community. I walked in expecting a normal vendor day… and walked out with a heart full of memories and a camera full of the cutest faces.
Today, I want to share this special experience with you—especially the incredible dogs I met along the way. If you love dog personalities as much as I do, keep reading… you’re going to adore this lineup.
More Than Just a Market
The moment I walked into Steele Wheels, I could feel the magic.
Bright lights reflecting off classic cars, garlands and Christmas décor tucked between polished fenders, and dogs happily trotting beside their humans like VIP guests.
Setting up my booth felt like preparing for a party. And before I even finished hanging the bandanas, the first tail-wagging visitor arrived—followed by a parade of personalities that reminded me why I love being a dog-focused creator.
Dogs truly bring people together.
And that day, they brought the whole market to life.
The 13+ Dog Personalities That Made My Market Day Unforgettable
Here are the stars of the ElderDog Holiday Bazaar—each one with a personality so strong, I could write a whole book about them.
Chocolate Lab — The Happy-Go-Lucky Goofball
Bounces into the market with full-body wiggles and zero self-awareness of their size.
Gives everyone the same excited greeting like you’re their long-lost best friend.
Knocks over at least one water bowl with their tail.
Always smiling, always hungry, always ready for pats.
Pure chocolate-flavoured joy.
The Chocolate Lab looks adorable in one of our holiday bandanas.
(Xmas Tree Reversible Bandana)
Corgi — The Chill Attention Collector (aka Arki’s Vibe)
Flops down in the middle of the market like he’s claiming his spot for the day.
Doesn’t move. Doesn’t walk. Doesn’t care.
Just lies there like a fluffy potato waiting for people to come to him.
Every passerby stops to pet him — which is exactly the plan.
He’s not exploring the market… he IS the attraction.
The Perfectly-Groomed Poodle — The Best-Hair-in-the-Market Icon
Struts in with a fresh trim so sharp it could stop traffic.
Every curl perfectly fluffed, every paw perfectly shaped — absolutely no notes.
They don’t just walk… they glide like they know they look amazing.
Other dogs shed. This one styles.
Gets complimented nonstop — accepts each one with quiet confidence.
The Nose-on-a-Mission Beagle — The Detective
Enters the market sniffing like they’re solving a top-secret case.
Follows every scent trail — treats, other dogs, maybe someone’s sandwich.
Floppy ears, tail up, completely dedicated to the investigation.
Friendly but easily distracted.
Probably tried to sneak behind my booth just to “inspect” inventory.
The Perfect-Posture Sheltie — The Polite Overachiever (Right)
Looks like they’re on their way to receive an award for Best Manners.
Fluffy, elegant, and always watching their humans like, “Don’t worry, I got you.”
Greets everyone politely.
Keeps one eye on the Huskies and Chihuahuas to make sure the market stays “organized.”
Probably wins “Best Behaved” without trying.
Italian Greyhound — The Runway Walker(Left)
Glides past the classic cars like they're walking Milan Fashion Week.
Long legs, tiny waist, elegance in motion.
A little shy… until they suddenly zoom at lightning speed.
Always cold. Always wearing a sweater.
Pretends not to love compliments — absolutely LOVES compliments.
Goldendoodle — The Fluffy Social Butterfly
Bounces into the market like it’s their Super Bowl.
Instantly friends with every dog, every human, every booth.
Curls bouncing, butt wiggling, heart full of sunshine.
Stops for photos every two minutes (their idea, not the human’s).
Loves treats, loves attention, loves life — 10/10 serotonin.
German Shepherd — The Serious-but-Sweet Market Security Guard
Patrolling the aisles with confidence.
Alert, polite, and always keeping an eye on things.
Melts only when they see kids… or another German Shepherd. 
Sassy Chihuahua — The Main-Character Diva
Tiny dog, huge personality.
Walks like a celebrity entering a movie premiere.
Gives side-eye to every big dog.
Demands to be carried…
…then wiggles to get down because they “want to walk now.”
Probably wearing sparkles. Definitely the CEO of Steele Wheels.
(She looks so adorable in one of our holiday velvet bandanas!)
The Schnauzer — The Slow, Sweet & Dapper Sniffer
Not rushed, not stressed.
Taking their time, enjoying every smell and every moment.
A calm old soul with impeccable style — always looking a little extra dapper with their expressive eyebrows and perfectly groomed beard.
Living their very best life.
(Sonny looks so dapper in our Tuxedo!)
Golden Retriever — The “Market Mayor”
Everyone knows him.
Every vendor loves him.
Gets free treats, free pets, free everything.
Tail wagging since sunrise; doesn’t plan to stop.
If dogs could run for office, this one already won.
Samoyed — The Vocal Queen (The Fluffy Announcer)
Floats in like a walking cloud…
…and immediately starts talking about it.
“Woo-woo!” to the dogs.
“Wooo!” to the humans.
“WOOOO!” when the pets stop.
Smiles through every dramatic outburst.
A fluffy ball of performance art.
Bernese Mountain Dog — The Gentle Giant
Moves slowly, hugs softly.
Huge, fluffy, and so gentle it makes your heart melt.
Probably wearing the biggest bandana (We take custom orders) in the entire venue.
Everyone stops just to admire the sweetness.
Mini Husky — The Treat-Only Supermodel
Will only pose if food is visible.
No treat? Instant chaos.
Flops dramatically, yells loudly, walks away.
Treat reappears? Suddenly posing like a professional model.
Knows exactly how to manipulate humans — and does it well.
(He is rocking our Red Velvet Sailor bow )
❤️ Why Events Like This Mean So Much to Me
Markets like the ElderDog Holiday Bazaar are more than sales opportunities—they’re a chance to connect with the dog-loving community that inspires Arkisploot every single day.
I get to:
- meet your dogs
- hear your stories
- see your pets wearing my handmade pieces
- watch tails wag when I pull out new designs
- feel the joy of real-life connection (not just online likes)
It reminds me why I started Arkisploot:
to create something meaningful for dogs, dog parents, and the community that brings us all together.
Final Thoughts: A Market Filled With Magic
Between the festive atmosphere, the stunning vintage cars, and the endless parade of dog personalities, the ElderDog Holiday Bazaar at Steele Wheels was a day I’ll never forget.
I left with:
- A heart full of dog joy
- A camera full of memories
- And renewed gratitude for every customer, every furry friend, every moment
If your dog visited me that day — thank you.
If they wore an Arkisploot bandana or bow — extra thank you.
And if we haven’t met yet… I can’t wait for the next market.
Until then, keep wagging, keep exploring, and keep spreading the joy your dogs bring into the world. 💛
Check out this fun video on our Instagram!