While Paws in the Park was going to be held Saturday rain or shine, it was a lot nicer that the morning rain quit to allow the tents to be set up and the event to proceed in good weather.

This was the seventh year for Paws In The Park, sponsored by Bond County Humane Society. It was held at Patriot’s Park.

Rachel Hundsdorfer, president of the society, said that while there was a good attendence of dogs, their owners and visitors, the entries in the contests were less than in past years. The rain earlier in the day might have been a contributing factor.

The wag-n-walk kicked off the event. Owners of dogs obtained pledges for the humane society. The first place winners were Dan and Mignon Fetterhoff of Carlyle, who had $600 worth of pledges. They received a digital camera [prize]. The second place winner was Debbie Blankenship of Greenville with $200 raised. She was the recipient of an MP3 player.

New at the event this year was demonstrations of flyball by the K-9 Racers of St Charles, MO. Flyball is a relay game, consisting of four dogs on a team. The dog runs over four hurdles to a box with a tennis ball, grabs the tennis ball in its mouth, then runs back with the ball, over the hurdles. Dog handlers hold onto the dogs until it is the animal’s turn to go.

The conditions for the [flyball] dogs were a little different than what they are used to. The course at Patriot’s Park was set up in the grass. Tournaments are usually held indoors. This year’s flyball nationals will be held in November at St Louis. The St Charles club is helping with the event, which will draw teams from throughout the United States.

A tent was set up for youngsters to sit at a table and draw dogs. Paper and markers were provided for the boys and girls to display their artistic abilities.

Personalized paw prints could be purchased by owners of their dogs. A print of the dog[’s foot pads] was placed on a card, and if the owner wished, the name of the dog was written on the card in caligraphy.

The agility course was once again a popular stop for dogs and their owners. The dogs were put through an obstacle course.

The St Louis Metropolitan Police K-9 unit was on the grounds. Due to a conflict, the unit did not arrive by helicopter, as originally planned.

Pet Designs Pet Grooming of rural Greenville provided nail clippings for dogs [by donation]. A cutest pet photo contest was held. A microchipping clinic was available, and pet owners were able to have their pictures taken with their dogs.

Contests were held throughout the event. They included fastest fetch, best kisser, best trick, best barker/howler, best dressed, and best human/dog companion look-alike.

 

The Greenville Advocate September 14, 2010 page 12