2005 Dog Days of September

September 24, 2005
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT???

I would have to say almost everyone in the City of Toledo and surrounding area, as the cars lined Central Avenue waiting to get into Secor MetroPark, for the Second Annual Dog Days of September. The event was held on Saturday, the 24th from 10am until 4pm. Over 100 adoptable dogs were waiting to go home with some of the over 15,000 people who attended. Over twenty five humane organizations, shelters and rescue groups gathered at Shepherst Memorial in hopes of finding new owners for the homeless animals that they transported to the event. Many of our local groups have had to open their doors even wider than usual to accommodate dogs and other pets who have been brought to this area from the Katrina Relief efforts.

Humane Ohio of Greater Toledo, the benefactor of the event, hosted games and sold merchandise to raise monies for their cause. Pennies For Paws containers circulated the park, asking for donations in lieu of charging admission for the event.

Children enjoyed coloring murals, sculpting clay, listening to stories of Clifford and Biscuit as well as taking their turns at the Piñatas. They received stickers and Frisbees from the Cartoon Network, donated by Buckeye Cablesystem.

Always favorites, Clifford, Scooby Doo, Biscuit, Dukes (Toledo Storm) and Scraps (Max & Ermas) delighted young and old with appearances all day.

Everyone enjoyed the music of Spoony Luv and Skoobie Snaks while filling up on delicious food by TJ’s Catering and Pisanello’s Pizza and beverages by the 7-up/ RC Bottling Company.

The Beauty Pawgeant, sponsored by Invisible Fence and the Games and Contests sponsored by Total Pet Care, drew the crowds while they anxiously awaited the winners of various contests.

Pet Health Nutrition specialist, Mark Sorge, from Nutro Products answered hundreds of questions asked by pet owners all day. Mark was brought to us by The Andersons, who were new to the event this year.

Of course, one of the event favorites, the Weiner Dog Nationals doubled it’s entries this year and once again proved very entertaining for all who watched. Beautiful trophies provided by Mr. Emblem were awarded to the “wieners," Scout and Ringer.

Sylvania Vet provided Microchipping on-site as well as free ear checks.

Radio station vans were lined up and down the road as favorite DJ-s from K-100, Star 105, Tower 98 and 106.5 The Zone broadcast live from the event.

A mobile mash unit sponsored by Animal Emergency and Critical Care center, circulated the park with Stautzenberger College Vet Tech students on board.

Brian Flournoy, the Pet Communicator, and caricature artist Kevin Bayer, along with MotoPhoto, generously donated proceeds from their talents to Humane Ohio.

The Richfield EMS squad joined us this year and were happy to enjoy a very quiet day with no calls to action.

Toledo MetroParks, Stautzenberger College Veterinary Technician Program and Cumulus Broadcasting are proud to present this great event. However, it would not be possible without all of the many sponsors and the generosity of local businesses who provided products and services and to these, we say thanks:

Scoop-It
The Anderson's
Sylvania VET
American Rent*All
Buckeye Cable System
Karnik Pet Lodges
Frosty Paws
7UP
Animal Emergency & Critical Care
Invisible Fence
Bark Busters
Dachshund Delights
H-O-T Graphics
Mr. Emblem
Toledo Blade
Pet Supplies Plus
Toledo Public Schools Animal Management Program
Toledo Storm Hockey
Toft's Ice Cream
Nature's Variety
Total Pet Care

Also thanks to the many small businesses who formed the “Flea Market” this year and offered many dog related items for sale.

Keep checking www.sctoday.edu/dogdays for updates, comments and pictures from this year’s event and all news concerning the 2006 Dog Days of September!

SEE YOU AT THE PARK NEXT YEAR!

~ Karen Fitzgerald ~

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