CHICO — Think the world is going to the dogs? Well, you might have been convinced of it Saturday morning if you had witnessed the jolly conference of canines and their owners at Sycamore Field in Bidwell Park.
That was the site of the 10th annual Walk Woof Wag, benefiting the Chico Animal Shelter’s medical fund. In its previous nine years, the event has raised $90,000 for the fund, which defrays the cost of medical attention for the animals taking refuge in the shelter. City of Chico officials operate the shelter, but do not pay for any kind of medical work.
Shelly Rogers, one of the event’s organizers, said the fund “covers all medical costs” for animals there and it relies entirely upon donations for its money.
“It covers very minor things such as shots, deworming and de-fleaing,’ Rogers said, “all the way up to major things such as amputations.”
She said there were 250 people (and their dogs) registered to participate as of Friday, “but there were a few more who registered this morning.”
Rogers said she was confident her group would reach the $100,000 plateau in raised funds by the time Saturday’s event was finished. Even though the average amount raised had been $10,000 per year since the event’s inception, the amount collected “has gone up every year.”
The event, held in brisk yet sunny conditions and before Saturday’s forecast winds had picked up, featured games, crafts, a raffle, a photo booth and a parade around the park for all participants. Perhaps the most popular part, however, was the dog costume contest — in which owners sometimes donned their costumes as well.
Two rat terriers belonging to Michelle Harrah of Corning entered the contest and rode in style. Rowdy, age 9, and 1-year-old Roscoe each wore a custom shirt with his name on the back, along with sunglasses and a brimmed hat. Attendees were delighted to watch as the duo — sired by the same dog — rode around in a radio-controlled toy vehicle Harrah steered.
“We live on a ranch, and they ride in it (the vehicle) sometimes,” Harrah explained, as the dogs appeared relaxed during their tour.
Other attendees
Meanwhile, an English cream golden retriever named Archie, age 1, made his first-ever appearance at the contest. He was dressed as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier and entered the contest as “Archie the Mailman.”
His owners, Mai Pha and Kao Saechao of Chico, dressed as parcel carriers as well — Pha, as a United Parcel Service carrier, and Saechao as an Amazon deliveryman.
“He used to work for Amazon,” Pha said with a laugh as she pointed at Saechao.
Debbie Adams was dressed as a pirate, as was her dog, 10-year-old Samuel Adams — keeping with the historical nature of the Adams surname. Debbie’s husband is John Adams.
For Sam’s part, he seemed content and relaxed as he wore his pirate’s hat and kerchief, not at all agitated by the activity around him. Adams said this was the fifth Walk Woof Wag she has attended.
“It’s all about the animal shelter,” she said, “and to generate funds for the animals. This really brings joy to my heart. Even if it’s one dog or one cat off the street, it’s very much worth it.”
No gathering of dogs would be complete without at least one enormous animal, and Chico’s Chuck Matz had one in the aggregation — Bertram, a 1-year-old Spanish mastiff/Great Dane mix who was wearing a pair of ladybug wings. Already at 140 to 150 pounds, by Matz’s estimate, Bertram still has some growing to do.
Matz said he and his family took Bertram to local dog training company Canine Connection; it was there they learned about Saturday’s event.
Sue Warwick of Chico joined her Chihuahua, Bud, for a smiling pose at the photo booth. Warwick said Bud is a rescue dog and she therefore does not know his age, but said he’s approximately 9.
“I come every year,” Warwick said. “I’m a big supporter of all of their fundraisers,” referring to the Chico Animal Shelter backers.
Rowdy and Roscoe claimed first place in the costume competition, followed by Archie in second place, with third place for Brody, dressed as a mariachi.
