Paws in the Park 2018 Making New Friends

One of the fun things about Paws in the Park is the chance to meet lots of dogs big and small. We met large and small dogs and had a great time sniffing and being sniffed. Katy met a Collie who was her large twin. The Collie's owner called Katy her dog's mini me. They had the exact coloring and similar face shaping although Collies and Sheltie heads are slightly different. Mom didn't want to ruin the moment with a picture because that usually makes Katy get restless so we have no record of it, but it was rather cool. At the end of our day we met two rescue Shelties. We don't see too many Shelties at these events so it is always interesting when we meet some.

We got lots of attention, like movie star attention. Every where we went people wanted to touch us and give us treats. This became a problem later when Dog Dad wanted to get us through the agility course. Katy had fun with it, but me, hey why should I work with treats when all I have to do is look adorable and everyone is offering me free cookies? Why jump for it when you just have to sit and look cute?

Paws in the Park 2018

Despite the rain we had a wonderful time at Paws in the Park. I was so excited to go it was hard to wait patiently while Mom and Dad finished final preparation for us to go to the Wayside Inn.

I so badly wanted to bring this pad home. Like most Shelties, I'm not crazy about wet feet and there was just something so soothing on my paws about this mat. Sadly, the group really felt their need was greater than mine and Mom made me move on without getting them to give me the mat. Can you believe that?

Mom's still downloading pictures off her phone so you can expect to see more of our adventures through the week.

Paws in the Park

We didn't get to write about Paws in the Park last week, but Mom wanted to make sure she posted this week. It rained the whole time we were there, but we finished the walk and we visited all the vendors while we were there. The weather wasn't great for pictures, but Mom had to get one of the Dachshund Kissing Booth fundraiser.

Katy reached another level of achievement at this walk. Each year she's shown more independence and boldness. The first year she went she spent the whole walk tucked into Bailey's side for protection. Each year she's gotten a bit bolder, heading out at the head of the pack sometimes at a run, but then about half way through she suddenly seems to realize she's not with Bailey and drops back to finish the walk at a more leisurely pace.

This year despite the cold wet weather she headed out with one of her favorite extended family members at a run. They paused at the halfway mark where we normally take pictures, but the weather was too wet and dreary for pictures so we encouraged them to keep going. Katy quickly took the lead and for the first time crossed the end line first without Bailey at her side. This is just a charity walk not designed to be a race or a run, but for Katy she's had this desire to get there first for some time. She and her handler have been in discussions for training and strategies for the longer Whisker Walk coming in June. It is a longer walk and she will have to see if she has the stamina to stay at the head of the pack for the entire walk.

Bailey struggled with the cold and we've decided Mom will sit out the longer walk with him as he's taking it slower these days. On the upside, Dog Dad located a massage therapist at the fair that might work for helping Bailey with some of his challenges. We also found a bone vendor and got some awesome bully sticks to take home.

For the first time ever we met a family of Shelties. The tiny puppy almost made Mom rethink her ideas on getting a dog past those puppy years. He was one giant fur ball and oh so cute. This family had a collection of Sheltie colors, which again you don't see often.

One thing I felt bad about was every where we went when someone had a Purebred dog they felt the need to whisper that they went to a breeder to get the dog, as if it was a crime. One of the woman,a breed foster Mom felt the need to explain she has things she wants to train her dogs to do and prefers to choose them as pups for specific characteristics and then raise them to ensure she gets the behaviors she wants. I told her she should feel no compulsion to apologize. She clearly isn't using a puppy mill to get the quality of dogs she wants. She gives back to the community by fostering and volunteering to stand in the freezing rain to help these animals find homes with people like myself that may be OK not starting with a puppy. She looked amazed. I suspect she doesn't hear that often.

I love these events because they are great ways to spend time meeting other dog owners. As I said I rarely meet other Sheltie owners except at events like these. It is always fun. At this event I tried to connect a breed rescue with a dog blogger that I thought would be a good match. The rescue representative sounded interested in linking to the site to provide more information to people who want to adopt large breed dogs. It is a great way to meet local shelters and rescues. I was disappointed that the local Collie rescue wasn't present this year as I was tempted to talk to them to see if they have any ideas about what to do with the Bailey and Katy situation. Sadly, they didn't have a table this year and I don't see them listed yet for the Whisker Walk either. However, despite the rain there were lots of people at the shelter/rescue tables making connections and that is how we can promote rescue.

That being said one of the disappointments I had was the anti-puppy mill group focused on ending puppy mills which is great, but the focus is still on shaming those who don't go to shelters. I just can't support that attitude. I am for ending puppy mills. However, the best way to end them is to teach people about all their responsible choices, not just your preferred choice. There is a disconnect between reality and dreams. In the dream world everyone would find their ideal dog at the local shelter and there would be no homeless dogs. In the real world people have lots of reasons why they want a purebred dog from a breeder. That is for another article on another day.

Paws in the Park Wayside Inn Sudbury, MA

Hi folks it is time for the annual Paws in the Park sponsored by Save a Dog this Sunday May 1 from 10-3. If you live in the Massachusetts area there is no better time to visit the beautiful historic Wayside Inn area in Sudbury and help raise money for animal shelters in the area.

Along with a beautiful short walk for you and the dogs there are also lots of fun activities for dogs, children, and adults. Our dogs love shopping there and the vendors always have something new to discover. Many local shelters have booths to raise awareness and funds for their local shelters as well.

Come out and join the fun on Sunday. For more information please visit their website here.

Whisker Walk 2014

The Whisker Walk was a smashing success. While it took Mom a week to get the pictures up, our enthusiasm has not been diminished. It was the hottest weather we've ever had for one of these events and Mom was concerned because we are notorious for refusing to drink unless we are home. Well it was just the first of many ways we shocked her (in a good way) during the event. Not only did we drink from our bowl that Dog Dad packed, but we even drank from the water provided on the route. That never happens.

Mom likes that they list the rules upfront. She finds it very strange that while they very clearly state that they don't want aggressive dogs there, several people insist they bring their aggressive dogs to help them become socialized. A huge pack of dogs walking in a confined area is really not the best time to be working on your dog's aggression issues. Maybe as a final exam project, but certainly not in the beginner stages.

This is where we all met up and lined up for the walk. This year they got a late start. We decided to rest up and save our energy for the walk. It was hot.

As the start time got close, we got lined up and Mom was again shocked instead of tucking in behind my tail, Katy shot off ahead and set a brutal pace for the pack.

She led for about 1 1/2 miles, and then she got distracted at the half way water stop and lost interest in leading. She got distracted by all the things there were to see and do at the water break. That was just as well as Mom and Dad were very concerned about her getting over heated. It also gave me a chance to catch up. I'm not used to Katy out pacing me like that. She usually tucks in behind my tail and checks out people from around my backside.

After the walk, the humans had lunch and we rested in a shady spot. Then we went over to the CMDART Agility tryouts. CMDART is an emergency group that works with the Red Cross setting up dog shelters when disasters occur in our area. They run this fundraiser every year as one way of raising funds for their mission. We got a great kit from them last year that helps you get your pets ready for evacuations.

We didn't get pictures because Mom and Dad both were out on the field at the same time, which doesn't happen very often. However, we both had big moments. We have never done well in the tunnel. Katy flat out has always refused and it has never been my favorite activity either. However, we both made repeated trips through the tunnels. The trainers showed Mom and Dad some new tricks to trick tempt us into performing the stunts. I even made it up and down the see saw thingy before I realized I was on it because Mom held a tempting smelly amazing treat under my nose instead of dropping it on the ground like they had tried previously. I was so intent on following the smell I didn't even realize she had me on the tippy thing.

After our amazing job at agility, we decided to try out the Tennis Ball Fetch Game. This is always one of our favorites. It is amazing how you can freeze when surrounded by so many balls to choose. Mom started tossing them and eventually we picked two. We won Kongs, a Snoopy leash and collar, and some very tasty treats. We also won a life jacket that Mom is thinking about doing a giveaway on because neither of us goes near the water.

After our wins, we went shopping and visited the various rescue/shelter booths. We had to get another picture of the Kissing Dachshund Rescue Booth for Frankie. Yes, they were here too. Those are some hard working charitable Dachshunds kissing for charity.

We had lots of fun shopping, but Mom struck out on finding Katy another fleece bed. She was hoping to replace her donut bed, with a flat fleece egg crate bed. I love the donut, but Katy likes a flat bed. She has one downstairs, but tends to sleep on the floor upstairs. Mom was hoping to find another one. Unfortunately, she found the last one at the event that was cancelled this year. That vendor hasn't been at any of the other events. Dog Dad has been experimenting with moving the bed upstairs and down, but was hoping we could just have another one to use.

We'd like to thank the Sterling Animal Shelter for hosting this event. We have so much fun at it every year and are already looking forward to seeing announcements for next year's event.

Welcome to Monday Mischief – The pet blog hop that wraps up the weekend! This Blog Hop is brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, and My Brown Newfies.

Paws in the Park 2014

We had such a wonderful time and so much to tell that it didn't fit into one blog post. The Save a Dog Paws in the Park is held on the grounds of the historical Wayside Inn in Sudbury. (More about the historical sites in another post. Mom made us pose for pictures so we could share.) We saw so many new shelters and rescues that we hadn't seen before. It was great seeing them all come out and have a chance to get name recognition and make some money for their rescues.

When we went in we got bandanas and a goodie bag. If you were rescued from Save A Dog you got one color. Everyone else got the blue we are wearing. We thought we looked dashing.

People were so kind and generous and because we were so cute well behaved we got lots of free treats. Mom brought home some, too.

We thought of Frankie and Ernie when we saw the Daschund Rescue Kissing Booth. If you'd have been there guys, they'd have broken the piggy bank.

Whisker Walk 2012

We had such a good time at Whisker Walk. There is something magical about this place. Last year it was one of the first places Katy really opened up and enjoyed herself outside the house. She came home a much happier dog. This year she got out of the car a little scared, but instead of taking up her usual spot right next to or underneath me, she had a new companion, Dad and Mom's niece.

I confess I get excited at events like this. There are many things to see and smell. Dad was going to walk Katy and I was going to go with the niece. Well I did take advantage. Dad has a firm hand on the leash. I know I cannot get away with pulling and tugging. So, they decided to try an experiment. Katy would go with the niece and Dad would lay down the law with me. We were worried Katy would shake and panic, instead she blossomed. No more clinging to me, she found her own path. She completely bonded with the niece. Mom and Dad were thrilled.



Along with the walk, we were able to visit some of our favorite booths. The niece was thrilled with the carnival food. Do to the nieces car trouble we arrived later than last year, but we still saw just about everything. I finished the agility course this year. Dad was so proud of me. They decided since Katy had such a great day that she would just watch and cheer me on. Last year she refused to try anything but the tires.





At the Tennis Ball Fetch, I was able to win prizes, Katy still is not anxious to participate.



One human had donated handmade jewelry as a prize so for the first time Katy and I gave the niece a birthday present we won ourselves. She was impressed. She had never been given a birthday gift that a pet won for her.



We had a wonderful time. Our rescue, New England Sheltie is in CT and does not participate in these events. Therefore, the past two years, our group has walked for the sponsoring organization the Sterling Shelter. Mom got a purple t-shirt for the donation our group made.

We are looking forward to attending Baypath’s Bark in the Park on June 17.

Whisker Walk is Sunday June 3, 2012

Mom told us she saw the announcement for the Whisker Walk in the paper Saturday and we are so excited. For those of you in the Massachusetts area the 5th Annual Whisker Walk is being held on Sunday, June 3rd from 11AM-3PM at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. You can find all the information here. Along with the walk, there is a whole fair to enjoy. This is a big fundraiser for local animal shelters in the area.

Last year we not only walked, but we had a wonderful time at the fair. Bailey won the bed you constantly see us photographed on at the dog games last year. Mom and Dad had professional pictures taken of us that now are on t-shirts and coffee mugs. It was very dog friendly event.

This was us waiting as we lined up for the walk

This is where we won the bed. We did not do so well at the agility. However, the bed more than made up for our embarrassment at the agility arena. After all, there were no prizes in agility. The ball retrieval won us a comfy TV watching bed.

We encourage all of you who will be in the Massachusetts area to come out for the Whisker Walk and support the local shelters and rescues in the area. It is a great fundraiser and lots of fun for dogs and their family members.

Looking at the Agility Course

Mom and Dad took us to a booth hosted by a group trying to raise money for emergency pet shelters. The man at the booth said animals are not allowed in human shelters during emergencies so his group provides a place for animals to go. Mom says she is going to blog about this group next week. Mom and Dad decided we should have a chance to look at the field.

Bailey treated this as if it was a doggy playground. He thought the obstacles were fun. The woman led him around the obstacles. With treats, he tried each one. I did not mind the jumps. Those were OK. However, I just could not understand the point and I did not like strangers. Mom ended up leading me around.

I was sorry to disappoint Mom, but I just did not understand why she wanted me to go through all these exercises. Dad says we might do better next year.