Thursday, October 24, 2013

Less-Words Wednesday: DogFest 2013

This past weekend Dash and I had two big events on our calendar- manning a Canine Companions for Independence booth at the Spooky Pooch Parade on Saturday and attending and speaking at DogFest on Sunday.
Wouldn't you know that we woke up Saturday morning to very chilly weather (high 40s/low 50s) and rain! We pretended not to notice as we got ready for our event; grooming Dash, bundling up, and loading the car with a tent for our booth. But the closer we got to our destination the lower the temperature dropped and the harder it rained. As we surveyed the parade grounds we made the decision to forgo the event and get some coffee instead. Chalk it up to a rehearsal for Sunday!
We were most thankful to wake up to clear skies and slightly warmer weather come Sunday morning. Once again we groomed Dash, bundled up, and loaded up the car. It was finally time for  Dogfest!

Dash opted to exercise his right to a costume change during the event. He didn't feel that the cowboy getup suited his personality. He's much more of a hot dog kinda guy, you know.
These are all puppies in training. Notice Waldo dressed as Waldo! Love it!

Otto won cutest costume!

Capo the squirrel! (Capo is one of Dash's best buds!)

Overall costume winner - this dog was awesome! Maintained full costume throughout, as far as I know!

This was the 1/2 mile walk. There were fun trick-or-treat stations along the way and it was also where the costumes were judged.

Me with my besties (Emily and Christine) and Dash with his besties (Capo and Pickles). I was so blessed by all of our friends that made it out to the event!

The whole day was a blast! And the best part: we surpassed our goal of raising $10,000 for Canine Companions for Independence! In fact, before the event even started we had nearly $12,000- all raised through personal donations with no corporate sponsors! Needless to say, we are overwhelmed and grateful to the generosity of so many people.

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If you wanted to donate but haven't yet, it's not too late! Dash and I are able to continue to take donations though mid- November. cci.org/dogfestcleveland/ecikra

Saturday, October 12, 2013

DogFest 2013!

As I've mentioned in a few previous posts, Dash and I are taking part of a fundraising event for Canine Companions for Independence called DogFest Walk n Roll.

Canine Companions is a nonprofit organization that is funded by private contributions from individuals; gifts from businesses, civic groups, and service clubs; grants from corporations and foundations; and ongoing fundraising activities such as special events and mailings. DogFest is a main fundraiser with separate events held all across the country. Each event has its own feel to it, but I thought it would be fun to talk about our local event in Strongsville, Ohio. 
DogFest is a family-friendly, dog-friendly event that is easily described as a costume party for dogs and their humans! The highlight of the afternoon is a parade-style walk on which there are fun trick-or-treat stations and any dogs in costume will be judged for a costume competition! We have a DJ spinning tunes, fantastic baskets for a Chinese raffle, a 50/50 raffle, and other fun activities planned!
The theme this year is Walk n Roll so clear your calendar from 12-3pm on Sunday October 20th, dust off your dancin shoes, and join us for a great time! Learn more at cci.org/dogfestcleveland 



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Less-Words Wednesday: Dash does the OBX

Last month Dash and I joined the rest of my family on vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I had been looking forward to the trip all summer: a week off of work, quality time with the fam (including my adorable two-year old nephew), warm southern weather, the ocean, and getting to experience it all with Dash!

We were both happy just watching the action ...



But Dash also enjoyed getting in on the action ...
 

 

There were lots of snuggles ...
 



 

And time together ...
 


 

By the end of the week, a bath was necessary ...
 


 

And Dash learned that vacation is the most exhausting kind of fun!