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Adoptees get together with siblings, friends
The event was for the dogs and a few other animals.
GREENFORD — Toward the end of the fourth annual Doggie Daze Reunion and Dog Festival, Diane Less was trying to lead two small horses into the back of her Honda Element.
The first one went willingly, but the second one did not want to get in. Less eventually led the first horse off, then put it in the back again. The second horse followed.
The first horse, Ace, stuck his head between the front seats, like a dog.
Less explained that Ace likes to ride like that.
Less co-founded the Angels for Animals program locally in 1990 and continues to help animals at the Angels for Animals shelter.
Saturday was officially given over to man’s best friend, but the love of all animals was clear.
Mandy Cutright, the special events coordinator at the shelter, said the event was for the dogs.
“They can see their play pals and their siblings,” she explained.
That’s right. The dogs can come back and meet their relatives or friends from when they were at the shelter or going through socialization.
A common thread in conversations with volunteers or owners is how bad their dog was, in terms of neglect or abuse, when the family adopted it.
Litsa and Angelo Kargakos of Campbell brought Blaze and Harley. Litsa said they had rescued Harley “from the side of a freeway in Cleveland.”
You wouldn’t think Harley or any of the other dogs had even been abused, based on their weight, healthy coats and their friendly attitudes.
Conversations with owners also focused on the breeds of the dogs, which ranged from poodles with elaborate hairdos to mixed breeds with glossy and clean fur.
An estimated 400 people came out to take part. To get the fun rolling, there was the “Puppy Chow” eating contest — for people.
Peanut butter, chocolate and Chex Party Mix were mixed in a bowl, and the humans dug in. There was also a biscuit-eating contest with a dog eating the biscuits as they were tossed by his owner.
Owners could have their picture taken with their dog or dogs.
Businesses that specialize in dog care also showed up at the event. Broadview Acres of Lordstown offers a canine resort. Pet Lodge USA of Boardman, a major sponsor of the event, has a variety of services, such as being able to house-shelter a busy owner’s pet when the owner is at work.
wilkinson@vindy.com