Go Dog Go

You know you're not photography-minded when you go to a dog event and don't even think about bringing a camera. Miro and I volunteered as traffic directors and raffle ticket sellers last week at Go Dog Go, a fundraising festival for the Kirkland off-leash dog park project. Kept busy working, we missed the costume contest, the agility games, the food and treat give-aways at booths. We missed pretty much everything except for being able to meet and greet people and their dogs as they arrived. Alanis stayed home because she already has excellent manners (even when she is being bossy) and Miro needed practice.

We met a 12-year-old Siberian Husky who was still so agile and playful that she acted like a five-year-old. We met Jack Russell terriers, a Wheaten and an Irish terrier. We saw a white Poodle who wore a red saddle and had feet trimmed to resemble a Clydesdale horse. The fur around her feet was dyed pink, something I still feel dubious about. There was even a Bloodhound pulling his person all around the grounds. We said hello to a Border Collie who seemed to be deciding whether or not to herd Miro. And, of course, there were lots and lots of mixed breeds.

When we were selling raffle tickets for fabulous baskets filled with treats and adventures for dogs and people (sigh, we didn't win anything), Miro discovered he could inch under the table to touch noses with approaching dogs. All the dogs we met seemed to be on best behavior all day. When the lady in the neighboring booth sat eating lunch, Miro sat beside her so politely that you'd think he was having tea with the Queen. Of course, he was hoping for hand-outs but he didn't ask or even try to perform an Airedale Mind-Meld by staring at her.

I was happy to be able to help but next year I'll ask to enjoy the festival first and volunteer later. I might even remember to bring a camera.

More being very good.