Nature delivered a spectacular day for the 6th Annual Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue All Paws for a Golden Cause Dog Walk that took place on Sunday, October 15th at Borderland State Park in Easton, Massachusetts. It was truly All Paws for a Golden Cause - 338 dogs of many breeds and various combinations, ranging in size from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane, were in attendance, along with 498 of their people! Over $20,000 was raised for the veterinary care and boarding of YGRR Goldens awaiting adoption.

After checking in at Registration, people and their canine companions sporting purple Dog Walk bandannas, took to the 3 mile trail that meanders through Borderland State Park. Lots of damp dogs returned from the walk -many dogs took advantage of the ponds for a quick swim. Mileage markers along the way let those who weren't up to the entire 3 miles turn around and head back to the field to get an early start on the arcade events.

Bobbing for Hot Dogs was, once again, a favorite arcade event for many dogs - in fact, it was so popular, we ran out of hot dogs - we'll really stock up next year! Madame Bowowska read paws and predicted a happy and secure future for the beloved dogs attending the walk. Lines formed for the Canine IQ Test, even though the extremely intelligent dogs at the walk completed the various tests in seconds, enjoying treats along the way and proudly taking home a certificate for their achievements. Those dogs with artistic flair were happy to find Paw Painting as an outlet for their creative energies. (We've heard from a number of people who have had their dog's artwork matted and framed.) Hundreds of people took advantage of the opportunity to have their dog's photo on a button, magnet or mirror. Folks enjoyed shopping at Golden Goodies and checking out the many items that were raffled off throughout the day.

Following the YGRR Annual Meeting, 74 dogs and their adopters were recognized in the Parade of Rescued Dogs at 12 Noon. Marching along with YGRR Goldens were other rescued Goldens, a Keeshond, a Labrador Retriever, a number of mixed breeds, a Flat Coated Retriever and a Greyhound. The parade is always the high point of the day - everything quiets down as the stories of the dogs are read, and the love and devotion that these dogs and their families share is evident for everyone to see. Food was available this year! Volunteers sold snack food items and Bob Palagi returned with his ice cream truck and, for the first time, hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches and sodas. He'll be back next year!

Demonstrations were another popular event. Obedience and Utility were demonstrated by members of the Charles River Dog Training Club and Freestyle, a musical, choreographed performance by a dog and handler, took place throughout the afternoon.

Mark Rosenthal, local radio and television meteorologist and YGRR adopter, was judge for the Canine Costume Contest. The winner was a beautiful mixed breed dog costumed as a surgeon, second place was a Golden dressed as a very seductive hula dancer, and third place a handsome Scottish terrier Superman.

Dogs enjoyed participating in the Wet T-shirt and the Tennis Ball on a Spoon relays. Winners went home with prizes, all dogs participating received a bag of treats. American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certification testing was available and eleven dogs received their certificates.

Tired and stressed canines were able to enjoy a massage to relax those tense muscles thanks to a group of volunteer massage therapists organized by Leslie Wood. Canine First Aid was covered by Dr. David Matalon of Norton Animal Hospital. Dental checkups and advice on tooth brushing and dental care were available courtesy of Dr. Matalon and Norton Animal Hospital veterinary technicians, Karen April and Donna Baptiste-Bliss. Nail clipping and grooming advice were provided by Jane Bruce of Newton Highlands Pet and Grooming.

Other guests at the walk were representatives from Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to buy bullet/stab proof vests for police dogs in Massachusetts and Grey2K, an organization attempting to put an end to Greyhound racing in Massachusetts.

Thanks to Nate Adams, our DJ, who provided music for the day and to Bob Babineau, Borderland's capable ranger for all his assistance. And thanks to the over 90 volunteers who made the walk a great success. Particular gratitude goes out to the 2000 Dog Walk Committee for all their hard work. An exceptional and extraordinary group of people, they are: Hedy B., Kim B., Bill H., Chris H., Patrick J., Barbara L., Barbara L., Charles L., Donna L., Suzy N., Beth N., Meg P., Sam P., Evelyn S., Julie S., Penny S., and Joel W..

Thank you to all that gave their time to help YGRR Goldens.

Dog Walk volunteers were: Nancy A., Christina A., Joann B., Marilyn B., Stephanie B., Joan B., Janey B., Bill B., Doug B., Wendy B., Carla B., Laurie B., Melissa C., Laurie C., Karen C., Theresa D., Lori D., Alicia F., Mary F., Susan F., Karen F., Jennifer G., Wendy G., Irene G., Diane G., Carmine G., Debra G., Gina H., Caroline H., Mark I., Pippa J., Bill J., Diane J., Kumar, Frank L., Gresh L., Nancy L., Sonja L., Tina L., Daphne M., Leslie M., Cindy M., Catie M., Suzanne M., Kay M., Rebecca M., Jennifer O., Robert O., Nancy P., Joan P., Kitty R., Christy R., Andrea S., Joshua S., Shuba, Sue S., Jon S., Luanne S., Marilyn T., Joy V., Tricia W., Dana W., Beverly W., Kathy Y., Kristie Y.

And thanks to members of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Amateur Radio Club who, for the second year, provided communications (and more) for the dog walk: Fred, KA1CQD; John, N1FLO; Clayton, KB5TBB; Jennifer, KB1DSA; Pete, N1EZT; Marty, KB1DRL; Glen, N1MPT; Patti, N1PRU; Scott, N1SEC; and Will, N1DPY. Also thanks to Dog Walk Committee member, Charles Lukas, W1DOH, for assisting with communications.

Next year's walk takes place on Sunday, October 14th at Borderland State Park. The 2001 Dog Walk Committee will meet in late May or early June of 2001 to begin planning for the event. Committee members are needed and many volunteers are necessary the day of the walk. Please send me a note of your interest in the dog walk c/o YGRR, P.O. Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749-0808. We'll be in touch!

Click here to see the Photo Essay

TOP

Adopt A Golden • Surrender A Golden • Rescue Stories
Donations • YGRR Calendar
Helpful Dog Info • All Breed Rescue • E-Mail

About YGRR • Join YGRR • Special Events • YGRR Store