Guests Crowd Event To Support A Dog Park

By Kendra Bobowick

Weighing only a few pounds, Tequila jostled for a safe place to stand. The Chihuahua walked to the end of his leash with caution, adrift in a world of new scents and motion as German shepherds, Afghan hounds, terriers, retrievers, labs, and a mix of breeds surrounded the Mile Hill South pavilion at Fairfield Hills Saturday to celebrate the Dog Days of Summer, Responsible Dog Ownership Day.

Stepping over taut leashes and around clusters of pets, Assistant Director of Recreation RoseAnn Reggiano looked around her, “I knew this was going to be big. I know how much people love their dogs.” Recreation Director Amy Mangold was “thrilled.” Showing off another tiny Chihuahua, Alyssa McDonagh crouched down and put Lucky on the ground. He was quickly lost in shadows as dogs as big as Oreo — a shaggy Newfoundland — sat panting beside one of several children’s pools filled with water. Downhill and working with officer Andrew Stinson, Newtown’s canine Baro followed commands, demonstrating his training.

Whispering as Officer Stinson began his presentation, Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia looked at Baro, a 7-year-old German shepherd, recalling when he joined the police department. “I swore him in!” she said. He sniffs out drugs and “has been 100 percent accurate in his years with us,” Officer Stinson said, including the day he led officers to a 3-year-old girl that was reported missing.

Guests watched as Baro “apprehended” Patrolman Tom Bean who played a suspect during a demonstration Saturday. In the crowd was Lisa Grossman with her own German shepherd Leo, a rescue that had needed surgery and is now working to be a therapy dog. Also on the slope near Baro’s demonstration were Peggy and Michelle Velthuizen with Willie, a mini-poodle, and George, a Maltese, perched on their shoulders. Beside them was a cluster of friends and their pets. Zack and Michael Loomis peered between Bill and Elizabeth O’Connell who held leashes to Pudgie and Charlie. Erin Kramer held Bean, a chubby pug.

Keeping dogs and owners occupied during the afternoon were prizes, contests, and obstacle courses. Cleaning their plates, catching Frisbees, or being tagged as the largest or the smallest dog were all part of the fundraising and fun. One possible contender for the smallest dog was Lexi, a Tea-Cup Chihuahua who wiggled in the crook of Christine Chatham’s arm. Only two pounds, Lexi wore a bell. “It’s so we don’t step on her,” Christine laughed.

Behind her on the sidewalk was Doc, another German shepherd tugging along his owner Al DiSabato. On either side of him were tents set up to sell baked goods, dog treats, or offer information about pet health, safety, training for good citizenship, and certification to become a therapy pet. In different area of the lawn were ongoing hot-dog-catching contests, or obstacle courses for pets to enjoy.

Sponsors included, the event garnered nearly $2,000 to benefit a dog park that will be located at the end of Trades Lane, past the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard. Ms Reggiano is currently assembling a committee to handle its promotion. Learn more about additional contributions at the Parks & Recreation office at 270-4340.