Paws in the Park — cont'd.

Here are some more pictures — and thoughts — from the Paws in the Park Petwalk, held this afternoon at Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

The benefit walk was for the Dutchess County SPCA in Hyde Park, N.Y.


They set up a casino — please, no wagering! — for dogs and their humans to have some fun.


Below is Bucky, a 9-month-old German Spitz, owned by Jill and Ira Weiss of Staatsburg. He is trying his snout at a shell game — and successfully, I might add. If you picked the right cup, you got to eat the treat.


As people and their dogs participated in the fundraising walk part of the event, through the beautiful woods of Bowdoin Park, they passed a memorial section paying tribute to faithful and loved companions.


There were several vendors, some of which were selling dog treats and other goodies. Beacon Barkery set up a booth, along with the Le Bone Appetit, below.


There were a few competitions — you know how dogs are, as well as their owners. Some pooches were dressed up in costumes, some owners competed in the look-alike contest. There was even Kanine Karaoke. Below is a shot from the Doggie Limbo contest, made tricky by the obligatory and well-timed leash toss. "Tally me banana."


But, man, it was toasty out there. Weather reports put the temp in the mid-80s, but the heat index in the mid-90s. Fortunately for the humans, there were Italian ices to be purchased and enjoyed. For the furry ones, there were plenty of water bowls everywhere in the park. During the walk, there were several stations with yogurt and fruit for the bipeds and plenty of water for the dogs.

Always thinking, the DCSPCA people put three kiddie wading pools out and made sure the park's sprinklers in the playground were turned on.

The pools got a lot of action.


Kate commandeered one of the pools — not once, but twice. It was all I could do to get her out of it. After all, I had work to do, people to see, dogs to admire.


She also drank a lot of it, too.

DCSPCA officials estimated the turn out to be around 500 dogs and up to 1,000 family members. They were shooting to raise $40,000, and I was told by Anna Waz, the development director, that she thought they were going to be close.

But it was all about the dogs and the fun we have with them. It was good to be in the park with others who love their animals.


But I have to tell you that Kate was pretty happy to get to the newsroom. The cool, cool floor was welcome relief compared with the steamy September weather we experience here in New York.


Cuz, you can never have too many pictures of Kate.

Make sure you see the article I did on the Paws in the Park Petwalk in the Sunday Poughkeepsie Journal. You will also be able to see Kathy McLaughlin's beautiful photo gallery, full of pooches and the people who love them.