Who Let the Dogs Out

This weekend the rains came… and they came hard.  Saturday was one  wet, grey day with close to gale force winds.  I couldn’t help but worry a bit about  what Sunday would bring.

Sunday was the Winnipeg Humane Society’s “Paws In Motion” walkathon, an event that Sadie and I look  forward to every year.    But with the wind  and the rain on Saturday, even though the walk is a go.. either rain or shine… I admit to having my doubts as to whether we would be attending if the wet weather continued.

Sunday morning, even before I opened my eyes, I did a quick weather assessment.   No…  I could no longer hear the rain beating against the window… good.  

Sitting up and actually taking a look this time,   I noticed the skies were still grey, and the wind was still wiping the trees about… but the patio looked dry. 

“Good enough for us,” I thought as I tossed the covers and headed on down for a strong shot of caffeine.

An hour later Sadie and I were in the car and on our way to Assiniboine Park.    Were those  actual patches of blue in the sky, here and there? Things were looking better all the time. :-)

By the time we arrived at the park, the canine thing was already happening. Dogs were everywhere… walking, hanging out of car windows,  most of them wearing the blue WHS bandanas.   I couldn’t help but get caught up in the happy excitement.   I LOVE these kind of events.  

Sadie and I quickly made our way to the meet-and-greet area and mingled with the others waiting to begin the walk.   The others consisted of every size and description of dog that you could imagine.   A band played and several kiosks offered everything from pet insurance to pizza.  And best of all… free Star Bucks Coffee. :-)

All critters are welcome at this event and there is a short scheduled jaunt  around the duck pond for the smaller ones, such as rabbits, cats, and ferrets… but the big story is always the 3K dog walk.   Mind you… I did see that some horses joined us this year so I guess.. paws or hooves… all are welcomed.

The beginning of the walk is always the best part.  So many dogs (surprisingly well behaved).  So many people… young, old, some in strollers, some in wheelchairs, most walking and all being pulled by a happy and excited dog at the end of a  leash, all  waiting for the drums to sound, signaling the walk to begin.    I can’t help it… it chokes me up every year.   Such wonderful camaraderie between people and critters,  out enjoying a Sunday walk for a very good cause.

Pit stops with large water bowls and wading pools dotted the route.  I think Sadie hit everyone of them.  She loves to play submarine. :-)

Walkers came in all shapes and colours.   Sadie wasn’t too sure of those tall yellow critters.

The day turned out to be perfect… not to hot, just right for a stroll through a beautiful park.   As you can imagine, Sadie slept the entire ride home… no doubt visions of puppy dog tails (tales) wagging in her dreams.