Today is all about Doggie Dash! I knew about it because I got this Service Alert e-mail from TriMet: Participants in the "Doggie Dash" are allowed to ride MAX with their leashed dogs Saturday, May 14, until 2 p.m. Dogs must use the rear car of any 2-car train. Because of MAX service interruption this weekend, however, Yellow and Green Line trains will be running as single-car trains, and dogs are permitted to board the single-car trains. So, I figured since the event took place only a few blocks from my scheduled walk through downtown, I knew I'd get a chance to see dogs and their people. I never actually walked on either of the courses, see below, so everyone I photographed had finished participating in the Doggie Dash.
Lagging behind my AHC tour group, I had the opportunity to take this fab photo! I remember for sure that the woman in blue and black, the woman in red and the woman in teal were all on the ACH tour with me. They're on the right, heading east across SW 2nd Avenue at SW Stark Street. And you know the people on the left, heading west, are Doggie Dashers 'cause you see a little bit of a pug and a grinning Jack Russell and a little bit of a small black and white dog which I can't ID, plus a bit of another one just off the sidewalk. Well, to tell the truth, there is one Doggie Dasher heading east--the man in the blue cap whose dog you can see on each side of the legs of the lady wearing the teal.
Check out the little boy with his face painted to match his dog!
I hope they've got some antiseptic hand wipes close by 'cause that little guy is all boy!
Big fluffy, well-groomed dogs. Wish I could have gotten a photo of their faces!
Love the hot pink party hat cocked to the side on that front dog's head! All three of them seem still to full of energy after participating in the Doggie Dash.
Sweetness is a miniature dachshund in step with its person. I love this photo!
Another really big dog.
A mother and her dog, a daughter and her dogs. Look at the grin on the big dog's face! And that miniature dachshund's stretch, looking back at Mom for approval. Love it!
A few seconds before I took this photo, the entire family was sitting on a park bench with that good looking dog sitting on the sidewalk in front of them. Across the sidewalk on a tripod was the family camera, taking a photo of them. I heard the joy as the camera was checked and it was discovered that the dog had been looking at the camera!
Color-coordinated fashion statement for dog and owner. Too bad the Doggie Dash goodie back wasn't red, right?
Here's a whole lot I found on the World Wide Web about the Doggie Dash, just in case you want to know or maybe want to start one in your town or city!
Now entering its 24th year, Doggie Dash is Portland's most popular event for animal lovers (voted #1 pet event by Spot Magazine readers "by a landslide"). Last year, more than 6,000 animal lovers came to Waterfront Park, raising over $230,000 for animals in need. Registration is $25 in advance, $30 the day of the event.
When May 14th, 2011. On-site registration opens at 7:30 am; runners leave at 9:00 am; walkers begin at 9:15 am for the Bridge-to-Bridge route and at 9:30 for the "Classic " route around Waterfront Park.. Note: all runners/walkers must check in at the main registration tent before the race. Doggie Dash activities continue until 1 pm with fun for all. A full schedule will be posted online as we get closer to the day of the event.
Where Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland (Google Maps) The main registration tent is located in the park near the intersection of SW Naito Parkway and SW Pine St. (close to the Battleship Oregon monument). Vendor booths and demonstration areas will stretch along the park from Pine St. to the Morrison Bridge.
Course There are two courses to choose from: the 1.5 mile "Doggie Dash Classic" begins on SW Naito Parkway near Stark St. You'll proceed down a car-free Naito Parkway to the Salmon St. fountains, then turn north along the park's seawall, and return south on Naito Parkway.
The "Classic" route takes you on a stroll down car-free Naito Parkway.
The longer route offers great views of the city and is dog friendly.
The 2.5 mile "Bridge to Bridge" route is open to both walkers and runners. It uses the same starting and ending points as the 1.5 mile route, but takes Dashers over the Hawthorne Bridge, along the Eastbank Esplanade, over the Steel Bridge, and back to Waterfront Park. It's dog friendly and has great views of the city. Runners leave at 9:00 am for the 2.5 mile run, followed by walkers on the 2.5 mile route at 9:15, followed by walkers on the 1.5 mile loop at 9:30.
Contests Doggie Dash features different contests for people and pets, such as Silly Pet Tricks, Bobbing for Dogs, Strangest Mutt Mix, Singing Duo, Best Kiss, So Ugly I'm Cute, Best Dressed Dog, Peanut Butter Challenge, and Doggie Musical Chairs. Watch this web page for more information and a complete schedule. Contests winners will receive prizes courtesy of K103-fm, such as tickets to concerts and special events; other prizes to be announced. The contests are open to all registered Dashers; there is no charge to enter.
Activities In addition to contests (see above) and music (see below) Doggie Dash features a Fred Meyer pancake breakfast (free to Dashers, $5 for others) from 8 am - 10:30 am. Food from from other vendors will be on sale from 10 am - 1 pm.
Greg Gustafson of Border Collies International will be conducting doggie Frisbee demonstrations at at 8:00 am and 11:30 am, with tips on how to make your dog a Frissbee champ. Greg conducts a Frisbee contest (open to all registered Dashers and their dogs; no charge to enter) from 10:30 am - 11:30 am.
Don't miss the LexiDog Fashion show and the Best Dressed Contest (Dashers and their dogs may enter the contest without charge).
Music You can enjoy live music before and after Doggie Dash.
The Gabby Holt Band will kickoff the day at 8 am
Whistlin' Rufus will follow at 9:45
Beaver Boogie Band will appearing starting at 11:15 am
Dash rules for pets and people: Dogs entered must be currently licensed with proof of Parvo and Rabies vaccinations. You do not need to bring proof with you; if an incident occurs, you must be able to produce proof in a reasonable amount of time.
• For safety reasons, “extend-a-leashes” will NOT be allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Leashes should be no more than six feet in length while on the course.
• Female dogs in heat are not permitted.
• Race officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so that this event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.
• No bikes, skateboards, roller blades, etc. are permitted for safety reasons. Baby strollers are permitted.
• OHS suggests that dogs younger than six months should not participate.
• Be sure you and your dog are conditioned and properly trained for this event.
• Running all or even part of the 2-mile course is not required. Walking your dog throughout the course is encouraged.
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