Sisters celebrates a day for the dogs

It was one big pet party as dogs and their people lined up for the 5K walk/run at 9 a.m. on Saturday during the second annual Sisters Doggie Dash & Stroll at Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD), organized by Friends of the Sisters Library (FOSL).

A few minutes later, a two-mile walk was initiated for slower-paced exercise along the well-marked route from SPRD through shaded U.S. Forest Service trails. All finishers received red doggie-bone-shaped key rings.

Raffle tickets were selling for $1 each or 6 for $5. There were many prizes including two nights boarding at Paws-N-Claws Resort and a hand-painted dog portrait. All registrants received a free 2014 membership to Friends of the Sisters Library and the first who registered received a 12-ounce stainless steel insulated Hydroflask water bottle with the Doggie Dash logo.

For the second year in a row, the first 5K runner to cross the finish line was Jason Gulley and his dog Stella.

"We won again. It could be because I am a long-distance runner," said Gulley, who is also a physical therapist at Green Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness in Sisters.

Black Butte Ranch resident Rodger Gabrielson provided all the music.

"The songs playing for today's Doggie Dash are about dogs, for the most part," said Gabrielson.

The added attractions to the canine carnival this year had folks and their furry friends getting a little bit more of a workout.

Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club offered an obedience rally for any dog that knew basic commands.

"We set up a course with descriptions and it gets a little more difficult as you move further along with your dog," said Lori Nickeson, club president.

Bend Agility Action Dogs (BAAD) offered agility demonstrations with members and their canine companions all morning.

A dog's natural instincts involve jumping over fallen logs, climbing up steep slopes, and squeezing through bushes and vegetation. Since the end goal is to catch up with prey, time is of the essence and the faster a dog runs, the better their chances of ending up with a satisfying meal. Agility courses are designed to mimic these types of natural scenarios and fulfill the hunting and chasing desires of your dog.

The club members encouraged folks to watch as the well-trained canines wove around poles, cleared jumps without knocking poles, raced through tunnels and scaled A-frames, all in record time.

"Any size dog can do this; some of our members have small dogs like papillons and rat terriers and they do great," said BAAD board member Shirley Jacobs. "It's a great workout for the handler and their dog."

BrightSide Animal Center volunteers strolled around with shelter dogs that were still seeking their forever homes.

"We have really sweet dogs up for adoption today, and one is in our special shelter stroller for everyone to see as she gets pushed around the Doggie Dash," said Sana Hayes, volunteer coordinator.

Kay Stanley from Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest was on hand to explain to folks why greyhounds make good pets.

"They have gentle dispositions, good-natured temperaments and are devoted companions," said Stanley.

Dog dipping pools were strategically placed to make sure everyone's furry friend stayed cool throughout the activities.

Goodies to eat, like banana muffins and homemade cookies, were at the HopNBean booth, ready for purchase.

A special highlight this year was the Dog Talent Contest (organized by this Nugget correspondent). Talents or tricks could be anything from singing for treats to rolling over to giving a high five. Contestants had an entire grassy area to perform their special talent. The contest was judged by popular acclaim at the end. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places.

The winnings were donated by Sisters Feed & Supply, Central Bark, and PetSmart in Bend.

First place was awarded to Irene Liden and Rheingold; Peg Bermel and Molly won second place and Bonnie Malone and Weezer got third place. It seemed that everyone had a tail-wagging good time.

Bend Spay and Neuter Project offered a low-cost wellness clinic for microchips, Rabies and DHPP vaccinations inside the SPRD building.

Furry Friends Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Sisters that helps families in Sisters by providing food, spay and neuter sponsorships, and other services to pets in need, was handing out doggie-treat bags and selling raffle tickets for a dog-themed quilt donated by quilter Valerie Fercho-Tillery. Also for sale was the first-ever Furry Friends Calendar, the proceeds of which benefit Furry Friends Foundation.

Leanne Smith, FOSL board member, and FOSL member Steve Auerbach looked very happy at the registration table near the end of the Doggie Dash.

"We had 85 registered participants this year compared to 53 last year! It's been a great day and so harmonious with all the dogs hanging out in the water pools together," said Smith.

Proceeds from the event go to FOSL to help fund purchases to add to Sisters Library's collection of books and audio books, to SPRD, and to Furry Friends Foundation.