City Wide Pet Day 2007 - A REAL TAIL WAGGER !!!

By Elise Bissell

Richardson Animaluv Executive Vice President

Photos submitted by Liani Parker of Pet Shop Studio

City Wide Pet Day 2007 experienced another great success this year! Richardson Animaluv, Inc., a registered nonprofit group created to assist the animals at the Richardson Animal Shelter, hosted the second annual City Wide Pet Day at Owens Farm on Saturday, November 10, 2007 from 10AM-4PM. It is estimated that over 2,000 adults and children attended, many bringing along their four legged friends.

The event opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony including special guests Richardson Mayor Steve Mitchell, and Richardson City Council Pris Hayes and Dennis Stewart.

Peggy Thorburn, Mayor Steve Mitchell, Elise Bissell, City Coucil Pris Hayes, and Dennis Stewart

Eleven rescue groups attended this year which include: Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, DFW Dachshund Rescue, Feral Friends, Lone Star Labrador Retriever Rescue, NorCal Boxer Rescue, Operation Kindness, Protective Animal League, Richardson Animal Shelter, Richardson Humane Society, SPCA of Texas, and Stray Dog.

Tonya Oxford

Kelly Richert Feral Friends

Sponsors and vendors filled the fair grounds offering lots of great information and handed out giveaways and offered fun stuff to buy. An Environmental Display was new this year. April Tauch of Clean and Green in Richardson provided information about recycling and handed out blue recycle bags. Cartridge World, Green Mountain Energy, Pet Supplies "Plus" and Whole Foods Market provided valuable information on keeping our planet green. A non denominational Blessing of the Animals was added this year

Jill and Alex Lopez of Vision Bank

Children's activities included a horse carousel sponsored by local banks including major sponsors Bank of Texas, Vision Bank and Washington Mutual. Several local veterinarians sponsored bounce houses and were available to provide information and answer questions about pets. These included Kindness Small Animal Hospital, Breckenridge Park Animal Hospital, and VCA Pet Hospital. Banfield returned for the second year and implanted over a 150 microchips for only $15.00 each.

The O'Reilly's Group McDonalds, a new sponsor this year, advertised City Wide Pet Day to their customers prior to the event and brought out fun games and jump houses for the children to enjoy during the event.

Johnathan Friswell with Kindness Small Animal Hospital

Kathy Quintana And Tessa

The Winston Noah Pet Parade was a barking success! Almost 50 dogs and their owners entered the parade which was led by Mayor Mitchell in the golf car donated by Dallas Turf and Golf Cars and driven by volunteer Charley Bissell. Parade judges include Mayor Mitchell, Martha Ritter, Judge Ray Noah, Councilman Gary Slagel, Dennis Wooten of the Richardson Animal Shelter Manager, and Bob Westbrook of Owens Farm. After much deliberation the final contestants were chosen and included Eka with Boobo for Best of Show, Hannah with Stitch for Most Adorable and Karen with Winnie for Most Unique.

Parade Contestants

Parade Winners

Live entertainment was provided by the High Rise Pony Club. In between shows these girls provided information on the care and maintenance of a horse.

Coleman Bruman

Face Painter, Kathyann of the My Enchanted Brush created some very fancy faces throughout the event and Carolann Reynolds, The Pet Communicator, spoke with many pets about their lives and dreams of winning the Winston Noah Pet Parade. The Dallas Dog and Disc Club showed off their amazing high jumping frisbee catching dogs.

Michele Snell of the SPCA

Payton Pedigo getting his face painted by the Enchanted Brush

Michael O'Brian from Dallas Dancing DJ's was back this year and Ian Osborn our local artist and winner of the 2007 Plano Idol Competition at Plano Sr. High School, the 2007 Wildflower! Budding Talent Performing Songwriter Competition, and the winner of the Budding Talent Vocal Competition sang a few songs along with band member Michael Bailey. Doug Ashby, Grapevine Opry, provided a wonderful performance as well!

The event ended with the raffle drawing of several great prizes including a giant stuffed dog, a dog bed and accessories basket, and $100 gift card to Silver Fox. The Grand Prize was the Mega Mutt Hut Dog House designed and built by master craftsman Richard Dietrichson Sr. and finished by the National Charity League, Richardson Chapter, Class 2010. The Campos family was the winner of the dog house and are Southeastern Guide Dog volunteers and live in Lucas.

Mega Mutt Hut with Sal, KayLei and Kianna Campo, Reagan and Lexie

This event could not have happened without the generosity of Owens Farm, the support of the local volunteer community including but not limited our local Girl Scout Troops, The National Charity League, Richardson Chapter, Class of 2010, the City of Richardson including the animal shelter, Richardson Today, Parks Department, Police Department, Fire department and Public Services and so many individuals that it would all day to list them all!

Liani Parker, City Wide Pet Day's "Official Event Photographer" from Pet Shop Studio volunteered her time to taking amazing event photos. Please go to www.backprint.com/petshopstudio to view all of the City Wide Pet Day photos.

Amy Norton and Brandi Duay of Starbucks with Doobi Doo

The purpose of this annual event is to raise awareness regarding the many great dogs and cats just waiting for adoption in local animal shelters and with rescue groups. Additionally, City Wide Pet Day is Richardson Animaluv's biggest fundraiser. The monies raised from this event are used to assist the animals at the Richardson Animal Shelter located at 1330 Columbia Drive, off Plano Road, one block south of Arapaho. (Visit www.cor.net for animals available for adoption from the shelter).

Marsha Flemming with Snapper and Dagger

During the last year, Animaluv has sponsored National Spay Day, the Annual Dog Wash, and assisted with the Vaccination Clinic and Adoptathon. Many dogs and cats were also placed in foster care where they received medical care, neutering, and eventually placed in permanent "forever" homes. We are currently looking for foster homes for both dogs and cats. If you are interested, please complete the volunteer form or contact Elise Bissell at richardsonanimaluv@yahoo.com.

Pat Shaughnessy