Dogs come in droves to Dogtoberfest
They came by car, van and even RVs. Dogs, their owners and pet lovers visited the Shell Factory & Nature Park Sunday for Dogtoberfest, an event organized by Florida Wiener Dog Derby, Inc.
Florida Wiener Dog Derby, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of animal welfare organizations. The Shell Factory & Nature Park has long been “pooch friendly” and dogs were everywhere on the grounds.
The day will support next March’s second annual Wiener Dog Derby. That event is tentatively scheduled for March 27, 2011.
“What is really interesting was that we learned that our first annual Wiener Dog Derby held here at the Shell Factory was the largest first-time dog derby in the U.S.,” said organizer Doug Dailey. “We had 262 dogs in the derby, and the more than 4,000 watchers also served as a top record for the most to attend a first time event.”
“This was also an unbelievable event,” said Marketing Director Donna Ellis. “What I’m really enjoying is all the pet costumes, some of the best I’ve ever seen.”
The pet costume contest was a big draw. Some of the participants included local residents Kathy and Frank Tompkins with dogs Shiloh and Rodeo, Lori Thomas and Bailey who did a tribute to space in the costume contest and Sara Schinko and pup Kaya in a Beatles “Yellow Submarine” theme.
Joanne Pohl of Cape Coral came in a poodle skirt matching poodle GiGi. “Yes, I do like to dress up with my dog,” she said.
The dance group The Calendar Girls also performed, and promoted their own calendar. Proceeds will benefit “Paws For Patriots.”
“Those are guide dogs for veterans,” said Calendar Girl Katherine Shortlige. “We’ve been performing and promoting the calendar all through Lee County.”
For information on how to get a calendar, she said you can visit their website at calendargirlsflorida.com.
Two big pups got a lot of attention at the event. The Galloway family brought 185-pound Finnegan and his mom 140-pound Fiona. Owners Carla and Tom Galloway had pictures taken by many and said they enjoyed the event. “We’d like to see many more types of these events locally,” Carla Galloway said.
The dogs sported handsome bandannas by Buddy’s Dog Bandannas, homemade bandannas for all occasions and holidays.
That company’s vendor Robert Schein proudly showed off some of the homemade bandannas made by his friend Judy Hellburg. “She is a disabled seamstress who does these great bandannas to support herself, and donates funds to animal welfare organizations like ARC – the Animal Refuge Center.”
You can keep track of the next actual derby by following floridawienerdogderby.com.