Bark in the Park, 2007
We did it!
More importantly...Lexi did it!
Simon was also new at this, but Lexi is a reactive dog who
gives dogs in the park a hard time. But I was encouraged by
Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) that Lexi would
go with her instincts and become part of the
moving pack...once she got around all those dogs.
And just like with Cassy last year...Lexi pulled it off great!
(Even if I thought she would hyperventilate
by the time we were heading home in the car!)
Thanks so much for all the help from our donors!
In the overall online donations, we came in third
by exceeding our $1500 goal...and collecting nearly $3k!
Although the previous online listing shows we raised $2,545...
in truth, as shown above on our page...once we included checks we received offline...
we actually raised $2,825...to help dogs and cats in need!
We arrive around 8:30am at Lincoln Park...
along with many thousands of other animal lovers.
We were running a little late this year...
so many were already lining up for the 9am start.
Lexi and I head over to the registration booth to turn in our
pledge sheet and checks and get all the final info.
Success!
Lexi made it through the masses of dogs in line and didn't cause any trouble...
this should work out fine today!
Stacy pinning on her number.
Simon a little confused about what all this is about!
Lexi doing her famous spoon tongue panting...also confused about what's up!
Lots of tough looking dogs around...Lexi wonders what's up!
And strange dogs she's never seen before.
But she's a trooper and we're off!
You can do it, Lexi!!
All kinds of people and dogs participating.
And even some kiddies going along for the ride.
A little gray in the early morning with talk of rain.
But as we move on down the Chicago lakefront
(one of the few cities where all the lakefront is public property)...
the weather seems to clear up and the rain never appears.
These folks seem to be wondering what the heck is going on!
Maybe they just showed up for a run at the lake, but now
they can't get out of their parking spot because there's tons of
people and dogs walking down the driveway!
Simon seems to be enjoying the walk.
But we soon decide to take a little water break.
Although some dogs don't need a bowl.
And some dogs need other types of breaks.
And...of course...we all clean up after our dogs!
Some folks stop for a scenic photo shoot against the lake.
Sounds like a good idea.
Stacy gets Simon settled into a pose.
Nice shot.
Lexi isn't in the mood to pose. She's just asking me
what's this all about mom!?!?!?
All white Simon finds a nice, gray mud hole!
Ha...notice the new foot color.<hee, hee>
But never fear...the lake is near.
Lexi...the water dog...enjoys the lake while Simon gets to clean his feet.
See...much better now!
And on we all go.
A great day for a fun walk along the lake with fellow dog people.
Around the bend and Lexi seems to need another break.
It's not that she can't walk a lot...but this whole situation is a bit
stressful for her, I'm sure. Having to control herself amongst all these strange dogs
is making her a bit confused...but she's hanging in there and being a very good dog!
After a little rest, Lexi relaxes.
So we kick back for a bit and do a little dog watching.
Whoa! Dog close-up!
Big dog, little dog.
Gladiator dogs!
Curly dogs.
Sporting dogs.
And itty bitty dogs.
I think I preferred the nose shot, Simon!
Obligatory butt shot!
The home stretch.
And the finish line...5k, done!
Cool! We have cheerleaders!
Time to get in line for snacks.
All walkers have a food ticket to help themselves to some refreshments.
Time to relax, enjoy the crowd and have a little snack.
Big dogs need big water bowls!
Actually, these are cooling pools for the dogs.
But this huge mastiff probably could have sucked up most of this water.
These little guys hope the big guy leaves some water for them!
Stacy and Simon return from the pools.
Time for snacks and relaxation.
Lexi tries to relax.
After a bit...she does.
Lots of love for a job well done.
Yikes!
Some dogs got to ride.
But some dogs seemed to have the legs for walking!
And some could use the exercise!
Lots of cool, big dogs.
Getting to know you...
Time for some shopping...notice how the pig ears are at dog level!
"Mom...I want one of these!"
And what's shopping, without more butt sniffing!
HA...yes, Lexi is finally relaxing!
Simon enjoys his snack.
Always fun seeing the mounted police...
especially when the wave of dog barking goes through the crowd.
Police on horseback and bicycles around the lake front are a common site.
Time to head home. Lexi is hyped up again...
she loves car rides, but all this excitement today keeps her panting.
Conversely, Simon is relaxing and just trying to hold his stomach still...
which he doesn't!
Yup...Simon gets the Barf in the Car award this year.
Shelby had to stay home this year...
"so where's my snacks?"
Cassy, who participated last year, gets her stay at home treat.
So does Simon's buddy, Odie...who has yet to walk in Bark.
Maybe next year, Odie.
Simon enjoys his reward.
