The ninth annual Paws in the Park, held Saturday at Patriot’s Park, was once again a success with good attendance by dogs and the owners and area residents just stopping by to see the event. Paws in the Park is conducted throughout the day by Bond County Humane Society. Dogs and their owners participate in various contests, and several vendors are set up on the park grounds.

This year’s Paws in the Park was dedicated to Laura Plunkett of rural New Douglas, a big supporter of the humane society who recently died. In a special edition of the society’s “The Pet Dispatch” newsletter, it stated that Plunkett was an inspiration to those who met her and the society members “feel truly blessed and fortunate to have had Laura as part of our organization. She was always happy and willing to help, which is evidenced by the many roles she assumed in Bond County Humane Society.”

Plunkett served as the treasurer, an adoption counselor, a foster parent, a dog shelter worker and a contest judge at Paws In The Park. She was experienced in dog training, showing her prize-winning English Mastiffs in competition. The humane society newsletter related, “Laura Plunkett gave so much of her precious time, energy and knowledge about pets. She will always be one of our inspirations and motivations in our mission to give dogs and cats (both homeless and furever-homed) the happy healthy lives they deserve.”

Early activities at this year’s Paws in the Park included the Wag-N-Walk, as individuals and their dogs raised money through a trail walk.

Rev. Dr. Shalom Renner conducted the animal blessing service. Another morning event was a K-9 Unit demonstration by David Dunn, deputy with the Bond County Sheriff’s Department and his police dog, Buddy. Assisting was Gino Feazel from the Pocahontas Police Department.

Several contests with dogs were conducted for several hours during Paws in the Park. The winners include:

• Cutest Pet Photo Contest — Cora Miller and her dog Jessie, first place; Amanda Zeller and Bonnie, second place; Tracie Zanchetti and Velma, third place.
• Fastest Fetch — Karen Taylor and Bo, first place; Anastasia Baird and Europa, Dan Fetterhoff and Sasha, and Amanda Arnold and Scotch, tied for second place; Lindsay Jackson and Flash, third place; Barb Chancey and Kip, and Jennifer Phipps and Meyer, tied for fourth place.
• Best Kisser — Brenda Hess and Daphne, first place; Janice Perkins and Hershey Kisses, second place; Candy Busch and Midnight, third place; Jennifer Phipps and Meyer, fourth place.
• Best Trick — Karen Taylor and Bo, first place; Randy Warner and Oscar, second place; Kennedy Davidson and Bella, third place; Janice Perkins and Hershey Kisses, fourth place.
• Best Series of Tricks — Karen Taylor and Bo, first place; Brenda Hess and Jake, second place; Anastasia Baird and Europa, Abbey and Krysten Davis and Piper, and Peyton Schoen and Tom, tied for third place; Janice Perkins and Hershey Kises, fourth place.
• Best Barker/Howler — Vanessa Ridings and Jitterbug [and Spanky], first place; Brenda Hess and Daphne, second place; Robin Allen and Peanut, third place; Amanda Arnold and Scotch, fourth place.
• Prettiest Small Pure Breed — Ethan Vohlken and Karlee, first place; Maya Emerson and Pepper, second place; Tiana Spink and Onyx, third place; Brenda Hess with Daphne and Jake, tied for fourth place.
• Prettiest Medium Pure Breed — Jackie and Jared Green with Bella, first place; Prudence Edwards with Lizzy, second place; Cathy Emerick with Max, third place; Claudine Hickam and Lucy, fourth place.
• Prettiest Large Pure Breed — Carissa Frerker and Scooby Doo, first place; Kyle Conine and Franke, second place; Danyelle Heinz and Leyla, third place; Pam Chase and Lobo, fourth place.
• Prettiest Small Mixed Breed — Pat Evans and Max, first place; Noah Veitel and Calhoun, second place; John Wilson and Jack-Jack, and Peyton Schoen and Tom, tied for third place; Vanessa Ridings and Jitterbug, Robin Allen and Peanut and Kennedy Hoffman and Winston, tied for fourth place.
• Prettiest Medium Mixed Breed — Chelsey Strotheide and Dixie, first place; David Downs and Jet, second place; Amanda Arnold and Scotch, third place; John Karn and Holly, fourth place.
• Prettiest Large Mixed Breed — Juston Mains and Maddy, first place; Kayla Green and Drake, second plce; Anastasia Baird and Europa, third place; Sharon Karn and Mariah, fourth place.
• Best Dressed — Sheri Miles and Foxxy Lady, first place; Tiana Spink and Onyx, second place; Tracie Zanchetti and Velma, third place; Candy Busch and Midnight, and Patty Edmond and Sam, tied for fourth place.
• Best Human/Canine Look Alike — David Downs and Jet, first place.

 

The Greenville Advocate September 20, 2012 page 1, continued on page 14