Sunday, October 2, 2011

The Downtown Dog Fair

Yesterday morning began early, preparing to work the Greyhounds Rock booth at the Downtown Dog Fair all day. I pulled out of our driveway at 7:30, with my golf cart loaded in the back of my pickup truck, and headed for downtown Fredericksburg to set up our booth.


My talented husband designed the banners for the sides of the golf cart.  The Crager SS wheel covers were one of my Christmas presents last year.


The event began with the Masquerade Dog Parade.  My dog Daniel and I collected pledges and were going to march, but I left him home instead.  The day was going to be a long one, and I didn't want to tire or stress him out that much.  The Greyhounds Rock Team raised over $1000!



The parade was led by Elby Brass, a fabulous brass band ...



... and you can't have a decent parade without cheerleaders.  (Even though this one cheers for the wrong team.)



We lined our booth with ex-pen panels to make it into a large dog pen so the dogs had a place to relax.

This is Denny, wearing one of my collars, and Audie, a Cesky Terrier greyhound-wannabe.


TJ was holding court, greeting his admirers, as always.



This is Anthony Moringello, who worked all day taking fall-themed portraits.  He will also be set up at our 'Take a Bite Out of Canine Cancer' benefit in November.



The Adoption Park was full of booths from many animal rescue groups.  Here is my 'niece' Holly Ann, with my sister, representing Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue.



I worked our booth all day, answering questions about our organization and selling collars.  People love the idea of a martingale collar, and more than two dozen of them went home with happy new owners.  Ironically, I started making collars for greyhounds, and not one was sold to a greyhound owner yesterday.  It's wonderful that owners of other breeds of dogs are learning about the advantages of these safe, comfortable, humane collars.


This lab's owner wanted a classic, girly collar.  Pink houndstooth was perfect!


How about a Christmas-style plaid on this Dobie?


By the time we broke down the booth and packed up to go home at 4:00, all of us were exhausted.  There was a huge crowd of dog lovers and dogs enjoying the sunny day in downtown Fredericksburg all day, and I think I talked to almost all of them ... telling them about Greyhounds Rock and what our mission to fund canine cancer research is all about.  I kept telling folks, "Our organization is called Greyhounds Rock, and I have greyhounds, but cancer doesn't care what breed of dog you have." 

11 comments:

  1. I'm not sure if I have ever told you what a wonderful person you are, Connie. All that you do for the Greyhound breed is simply astonishing to me. *gives you a big hug*

    Di

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  2. Such good work you are doing! Looks like you had a great day.

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  3. Connie~
    Such wonderful photos!!
    glad you had such a beautiful day to hold this wonderful event for such a worthy cause! Hope the proceeds made for a VERY successful event!!
    hugs!
    Loui♥

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  4. Im glad it didnt rain on you and the pups! Looks like it was a lot of fun!

    At my show in DC yesterday it poured all day, but apparently the rain brings out all the nicest people!

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  5. Hi Connie-
    We are finally back from travels and things are back to norm--- I'm so glad to have the chance to get back to visiting my blogging friends---

    What a wonderful day- for such a great charity. Connie I had no idea you were so involved is this amazing project. It looks like the day was hugely successful- you are so generous to donate your time and energies to saving lives of these precious animals. Honestly- I'm blown away by this---

    Bless your heart--

    Vicki

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  6. I'm noticing jackets in your wonderful photos. Seems you not only had sun, but didn't have to sweat all day. Glad it went well. Greyhounds Rock and so do you!

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  7. What a wonderful day - You rock just as much as the greyhounds, let me tell ya.

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  8. Great work! Thanks for all you are doing for canine cancer funding. And surely you are seen by the Greyhounds as one of their guardian angels for all that you do!
    Grace

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  9. That looked like fun. I love when a bunch of dogs and dog lovers can get together. It was also good that you could get your message out. I have lost one dog to cancer, but thankfully it was not premature. He had a long fabulous life.

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  10. What a great day and great shots!

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  11. Looks like such a great event! Love the dog cheerleader! hugs to you.
    Linda

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