A few more pix and thoughts from Paws in the Park

Looks like most everyone had a good time at the Paws in the Park Petwalk Saturday at Bowdoin Park.

It was, of course, a benefit for the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hyde Park.

There were other nonprofits with booths there as well. As event coordinator Debbi Calabrese said, they like to share the wealth.


I decided not to take Kate with me this year. And I got asked a lot about where she was.

I took her to the last two Paws in the Parks and the last two Beacon Barks, and she always is a trooper.

But after April's Beacon Barks, I realized that Kate — now well over 14 years — was not really enjoying it.

There's an uncomfortable car ride and then the seemingly long event itself where there is never enough water, shade or comfy places to lie down.

And I'm sure Kate feels that way too. (Just kidding.) (Not really.)

So, while the weather turned out to be fantastic — overcast, with bits of sunshine, and low temperatures — I decided to go solo.

Besides, it's much easier for me to work — even though it's one of the more pleasant assignments I am given — it's still work.

Taking pictures, recording video, sending tweets, interviewing people and taking notes are lot easier without a leash in one hand.

However, there is a part of me that hates that I left Kate at home. She's never been a dog that been taken everywhere. I know some people who bring their dogs wherever they go, even if it's just to pick up a quart of milk.

Leaving her at home — this time — meant, in a not so small way, that Kate really is getting old. Is old.

This makes the thought that she isn't going to be with me forever all the more real.

Love them while you can. They deserve it.