“Ultimate Air Dogs” was new this year at Walk & Wag. Known by various names, this is a canine competition that involves a dog jumping from a stationary dock for distance before landing in water. It’s recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), considered both safe and humane. [1,2,3,4,5]
Considered a low stress, high enrichment activity, it also proves ideal for enhancing the relationship between dog and handler. [6]
Thrilling as this signature attraction has been to see, it was far from the only evidence of love and affection to be found here at Rolling Hills County Park today. From ambassador dogs to those of all sizes simply happy to be out and about with their pet parents, this a place of shared passion, culture, and indulged love of animals. [7]
Case in point: The check-in process for sponsors and vendors was anything but an arms-length present form, receive materials affair. Longtime Walk & Wag event coordinator Joy Johnsen greeted one and all with the assistance of her Newfoundland “Jackson.”
Elsewhere, celebrity spokesdog “Ted” made the rounds (literally) with the assistance of a specially constructed wheelchair designed to compensate for his own disability. Volunteer Kim Vonton told Saline Journal that he is in physical therapy and getting around much better.
Then, among the many supporting businesses area, a particularly attractive “Kissing Booth” had been set. As advertised, several pit bulls were there in shifts to do the honors. “Cody,” accompanied by Anatashia Bremmer, took his responsibiltie here very seriously. Check out some of the photographs on Instagram and see why drying face towels were a necessity here. [8,9,10]
Of course Walk & Wag itself is the largest fundraiser and community event of the Humane Society of Huron Valley, hosting “over 1500 animal lovers and 600 dogs!” The event yesterday opened with at 5K run and a 1-mile walk, with walk-a-thon style individuals and teams setup to raise money. One such group was supported by our own Saline businesswoman Mary Bowe, her Airdale “Wren” by her side. [11,12,13,14]
As of the publication date of this article, $212,558.87 has been raised so far from Walk & Wag. But there’s always room (and need) for more in the pool. Better still, you can contribute today or any other time of the year — without even getting wet. [15]
Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti is located 9 miles due east of Saline. See links below for 2019 and future Walk & Wag dates.
References
- Ultimate Air Dogs (home page).
- “Walk & Wag and Run” Humane Society of Huron Valley.
- “Diving Dogs” American Kennel Club (AKC).
- “AKC Recognizes Dock Diving Titles” Penny Leigh (March 11, 2015) AKC.
- “Dock Diving” American Kennel Club (November 5, 2014) YouTube.
- “An Inside Look Into the Splashing World of Dock Diving” Jordan Upmalis (December 18, 2016) AKC.
- “Rolling Hills County Park” Washtenaw County.
- “Position Statement on Pit Bulls” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- “salinejournal” Instagram.
- “humanesocietyofhuronvalley” Instagram.
- Humane Society of Huron Valley (home page).
- “Humane Society of Huron Valley” (Facebook Page).
- “HS of Huron Valley” Twitter.
- “Humane Society of Huron Valley” YouTube.
- “Ways to Help” Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Hashtag
#HSHVWalkWag
