Posted 11:50 pm Sunday, October 28, 2012
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Pets in the park attracts hundreds
Tina Allbritton of Bullard spent the bulk of her Saturday focused on one thing: Whiskey.
Her attention wasn't on alcohol, but on her spunky, mixed breed rescue dog that sports a rather regal name.
“His full name is Sir Whiskey of Sour Mash,” she teased. “He's not any particular breed; he's just a little brown dog. I love him, his face, his eyes … he's my heart dog.”
What the little guy lacked in bloodlines, he made up for in intelligence, responding to commands without hesitation, along with other canine members of the Tyler Obedience Training Club.
“You can teach them (dogs) pretty much anything,” Ms. Allbritton said. “Some dogs take a little longer than others, but any dog can do agility.”
Whiskey was among hundreds of excited dogs who seemed to enjoy “raising the woof” Saturday during the 14th annual Pets in the Park event at Tyler's Bergfeld Park.
The daylong playday included a wild lineup of canine-themed events that ranged from weenie dog races to agility demonstrations.
Cats were advised to attend at their own risk.
The occasion was sponsored by the Humane Society of East Texas, a selective admission, no-kill sanctuary for unwanted animals that also offers low cost spay and neuter services.
“Just having the sunshine is a great thing, it really lifts spirits,” Humane Society Director Gayle Helms said. “This is not really a big fundraiser. It's an opportunity for people to come out and enjoy the beauty of Bergfeld Park, and have a fun day with their pets.”
Organizers estimated attendance at about 800 with proceeds benefiting the organization and its mission.
For the young two-legged participants, the event included a bounce house, rock climbing wall and a bungee trampoline.
And for the four-legged critters, the park offered plenty of room to romp and play.
Her attention wasn't on alcohol, but on her spunky, mixed breed rescue dog that sports a rather regal name.
“His full name is Sir Whiskey of Sour Mash,” she teased. “He's not any particular breed; he's just a little brown dog. I love him, his face, his eyes … he's my heart dog.”
What the little guy lacked in bloodlines, he made up for in intelligence, responding to commands without hesitation, along with other canine members of the Tyler Obedience Training Club.
“You can teach them (dogs) pretty much anything,” Ms. Allbritton said. “Some dogs take a little longer than others, but any dog can do agility.”
Whiskey was among hundreds of excited dogs who seemed to enjoy “raising the woof” Saturday during the 14th annual Pets in the Park event at Tyler's Bergfeld Park.
The daylong playday included a wild lineup of canine-themed events that ranged from weenie dog races to agility demonstrations.
Cats were advised to attend at their own risk.
The occasion was sponsored by the Humane Society of East Texas, a selective admission, no-kill sanctuary for unwanted animals that also offers low cost spay and neuter services.
“Just having the sunshine is a great thing, it really lifts spirits,” Humane Society Director Gayle Helms said. “This is not really a big fundraiser. It's an opportunity for people to come out and enjoy the beauty of Bergfeld Park, and have a fun day with their pets.”
Organizers estimated attendance at about 800 with proceeds benefiting the organization and its mission.
For the young two-legged participants, the event included a bounce house, rock climbing wall and a bungee trampoline.
And for the four-legged critters, the park offered plenty of room to romp and play.
A series of humorous pet contests attracted an interesting turnout: Best Halloween Costume, Most Beautiful, Best Kisser, Best Howl and Pet-Owner Look-a-Like.
There were few rules: pets had to be current on vaccinations, owners had to be willing to scoop up after them and everyone had to exhibit good behavior.
Special guests included Bill and Star, local agility favorites featured on CBS' Greatest American Dog, joined also by Second Spin Rescue Disc Dogs and Sure Shots Flyball Club.
Jennifer Connally of Dallas has been a member of the Flyballs for about 10 years.
“We left about 6:30 this morning,” she said, her three dogs yipping and whining in eager anticipation. “It's a really great experience, the dogs love it. It's a great sport — I don't foresee stopping anytime soon.”
Demonstrations were offered by Tyler Obedience Training Club and dozens of other entities that cater to pets and their people.
Vaccinations and micro chipping opportunities were also available.
Vendors John and Leslie Rainey drove in from Mount Pleasant with their two rescue dogs for business and pleasure. The couple has a Nature's Select pet food company that offers home delivery with details at www.nsarklatex.
They also foster and rescue animals.
“We come for the dogs,” Mrs. Rainey said. “We're all about the dogs. We love 'em.”
Her husband spent the morning wrangling Buddy, a Golden Retriever, and Sadie, a Corgi mix.
“They (dogs) are all excited,” Rainey said. “We came last year … it's a real fun event.”
For people who don't have a four-legged companion, Pets in the Park provided opportunities to learn about animals available for adoption.
Brazos, a 3-year-old lab mix, is among the pets in need of a family to love, organizers said.
There were few rules: pets had to be current on vaccinations, owners had to be willing to scoop up after them and everyone had to exhibit good behavior.
Special guests included Bill and Star, local agility favorites featured on CBS' Greatest American Dog, joined also by Second Spin Rescue Disc Dogs and Sure Shots Flyball Club.
Jennifer Connally of Dallas has been a member of the Flyballs for about 10 years.
“We left about 6:30 this morning,” she said, her three dogs yipping and whining in eager anticipation. “It's a really great experience, the dogs love it. It's a great sport — I don't foresee stopping anytime soon.”
Demonstrations were offered by Tyler Obedience Training Club and dozens of other entities that cater to pets and their people.
Vaccinations and micro chipping opportunities were also available.
Vendors John and Leslie Rainey drove in from Mount Pleasant with their two rescue dogs for business and pleasure. The couple has a Nature's Select pet food company that offers home delivery with details at www.nsarklatex.
They also foster and rescue animals.
“We come for the dogs,” Mrs. Rainey said. “We're all about the dogs. We love 'em.”
Her husband spent the morning wrangling Buddy, a Golden Retriever, and Sadie, a Corgi mix.
“They (dogs) are all excited,” Rainey said. “We came last year … it's a real fun event.”
For people who don't have a four-legged companion, Pets in the Park provided opportunities to learn about animals available for adoption.
Brazos, a 3-year-old lab mix, is among the pets in need of a family to love, organizers said.
“He's been at the shelter since he was a puppy,” Ms. Helms said. “He's grown up there. He's a great dog, been obedience trained. We'd love for him to find a good home.”
People interested in adopting a pet were urged to visit the human society during regular business hours to spend time with them and evaluate whether they would be a good match for the household.
The Humane Society, 1823 CR 386, Tyler, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday for adoptions, but closes 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. daily for lunch.
For more details about the organization and its services, call 903 597-2471, visit www.hsoet.org or check them out on FaceBook, Twitter or Pinterest.
People interested in adopting a pet were urged to visit the human society during regular business hours to spend time with them and evaluate whether they would be a good match for the household.
The Humane Society, 1823 CR 386, Tyler, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday for adoptions, but closes 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. daily for lunch.
For more details about the organization and its services, call 903 597-2471, visit www.hsoet.org or check them out on FaceBook, Twitter or Pinterest.
