Putting their best paw forward

The second annual Paws in the Park fundraiser for the Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation was a roaring success at Live Oak Park on April 21. Board President Bob Wright surprised all during the proceedings by deeming the event “the official Ruth Redmann Paws in the Park.” This dedication was extremely special, since it was Redmann, founding board member and dog lover, who spearheaded the creation of this event for the Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation.

Following the National Anthem, sung beautifully by Gabriella Barbato, canine entrants put their best paws forward during the opening parade. The popular song “Who Let the Dogs Out” blared while the pups strutted their stuff with their owners in tow.

Diane Roger of Fallbrook, sitting with her pup, Sadie, had a wonderful time at the event. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to get the community together for a good cause,” she said. Roger, along with many other guests, attended the event last year and was thrilled to be a part of it again.

“It’s a lovely event,” said Carla Tinker, in attendance with her pup, Amy.

“Last year, Amy won first place for Fastest Tail Wag,” said Tinker, smiling and glancing at her dog. “We’re here again to defend our title.”

The new Miss Fallbrook, Kate Derr, and her court stayed busy in the show rings, awarding winners with their ribbons, while Honorary Mayor Rhonda Reinke took photos with the top dogs and their owners.

The event offered a variety of activities. While people were shopping and chatting with booth vendors, some dog owners were testing their pups to earn the prestigious AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Nearby, pups had the opportunity to try out a small agility course to test their nimbleness.

In addition to pet industry vendors, some of those with booths were not geared toward pet services and products. One example was Joe Littell, author of “Adventures and Misadventures of a Mish Kid,” who celebrated this special day by launching his book. Visitors to the booth were happy to have the memoir signed by the author himself.

Not far from Littell was a booth hosted by Julie Donlon, CHT. Guests at her booth had an opportunity to have a detox foot bath.

While booths had a steady flow of visitors, no one really seemed to miss the fantastic therapy dog and agility demonstrations. These well-trained canines gave dogs in the audience something to aspire to.

Proceeds from Paws in the Park will be used to support the superb programs offered by the Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation. Community members are supported by the nonprofit’s three diverse programs: the Care Van, the Adult Day Care Center and the Care Advocacy Program.

“Our organization enhances the community because we are reaching the unmet needs,” said Renae Rasmussen, executive director of the Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation. “For those who fall through the health safety net, we [Fallbrook Healthcare Foundation] are there to help bump them back up to a connection of resources. And that is done in various ways.”

While many residents and their dogs were having a smashing time at the benefit, they also realized they were supporting a splendid nonprofit organization.

“What’s precious about our Care Advocacy Foundation is that we will never leave our people who are in need,” said Rasmussen. “We will be there for as long as they need us.”

Paws in the Park

First Place Winners

Best of Show: “A-Dora-Bull” (Ali Schreiber, owner)

Cutest Puppy: “Quigley” (Jody Williams)

Smallest: “Snowy” (Lourdes Coronado)

Biggest: “Dozer” (Art Sawyer)

Prettiest [female], group 1: “Panda” (Jayne Bendel)

Prettiest, group 2: “Elsa” (Audrey Moorehead)

Prettiest, group 3: “A-Dora-Bull” (Ali Schreiber)

Most Handsome [male], group 1: “Buddy” (Tamara Pearl)

Most Handsome, group 2: “Wilson” (Preston Cox)

Most Handsome, group 3: “KC” (Nancy Paulsen)

So Ugly You’re Cute: “Arf” (Lanya Harrell)

Fastest Tail Wag, group 1: “Judy” (Kathy Ford)

Fastest Tail Wag, group 2: “Amy” (Carla Tinker)

Best Trick, group 1: “Hunter” (Marc Steffler)

Best Trick, group 2: “Piper” (Lanya Harrell)

Owner Look-Alike: “Prince Oliver Cocoa” (Mekiyah Rabbon)