Despite the unseasonably cool and wet weather, we had a good day.  Got to meet lots of folks and the dogs were little troopers, putting their best paw forward. 

Kalsang also got a much-needed trim to his bangs so we can see his handsome face.  Isn’t he cute?

… and this just in.  Our little red foster, Mae-Mae …

Well, the weatherman totally blew the forecast but we’re not complaining!  Was supposed to be rainy with wind.  What we got was … sunny and breezy!  A little cool at 7:30 a.m. but everyone was dressed for it.  Some photos from the day …

Jackson ...

Big Dog visiting our booth ...

Just enough breeze to show off our Tibetan colors!

If nothing else, we had lots of color ...

Peanut ... taking it all in

Susan, right, in traditional Tibetan garb

The dogs did great with all the visitors to the booth … canine and human alike.  Several folks expressed interest in adopting Jackson so we’ll see what happens!

19th Annual Fire Hydrant 5

A new event for us … the Fire Hydrant 5 on Saturday, May 9th in Fort Collins at Edora Park as sponsored by the Larimer Humane Society.  This is a 5k Run, a 3k Walk/Fun Run and a Pet Fair in the park.  Information on the event …

When Does the Fun Begin? 

The Fire Hydrant 5 is Saturday May 9, 2009 at Edora Park in Fort Colllins.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.  5K Race begins at 8:30 a.m.  3K Walk and Fun Run begins at 8:40 a.m.  Pet Fair is 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The Fire Hydrant 5 is a Bolder Boulder qualifier.  This event will be held rain or shine!

Pet Fair Events

• Fido Photos – A Fire Hydrant 5 tradition, pose for a photo with your furry pal!
• Paw Painting – Take home some “custom artwork”, your pup’s paw print!
• Breed-Specific Rescue Groups to talk with you about their special dogs! 
• Special canine demonstrations including Eric Melvin & Angelyne, the amazing deaf Cattle Dog
• Return appearance by “Sparky” the Loveland Fire & Rescue Dalmatian
• Tour the Code 3 Associates Mobile Command Center for emergency animal rescue

Can Fido Attend?

Yes! Dogs are welcome at the event! Dogs participating in the 5K or the 3K must be registered and pay the $5 fee (one fee per family or individual handling the dog or dogs). 

The following guidelines also apply for our canine friends:

• They must be leashed at all times
• They must be current on all required vaccinations and licensing
• Please use a 6-foot or shorter, non-retractable leash
• Poop bags will be available, please make sure to pick up after your dog
• Please, no aggressive dogs. If Fido is in a bad mood, he will be asked to leave

Lung Ta -- Tibetan prayer flags

Mark your calendars (pun intended) … come on out and have a “pawsitively” fun day with your favorite pooch!  Good excuse to spend some quality time with your dog, have a meet/greet with other like-minded members of the community and support the Larimer Humane Society.  If you’d like to visit our booth, just look for the white canopy with the “lung ta”  (wind horse) fluttering  … Tibetan prayer flags!  Hope to see you — and your Apso — in Fort Collins on May 9th.

Need more information?  Contact ApsoRescue@aol.com.

2009 Loveland Pet Expo

Always a good time, we attended the 2009 Loveland Reporter-Herald PetExpo the end of February.  Preparation begins several weeks prior as we make arrangements for our exhibit space and submit photos for the insert that comes out in the paper.  While there is a fee for submitting pet photos, half of it goes to the Larimer Humane Society so we’re more than happy to help support the local shelter.  It’s also good incentive to have  current photos of our pets … a momento of their life when all that remains is a memory and a pawprint on our hearts.

As this was our fourth year of attending the Expo, packing the day before is down to a science … grab the storage tub containing our booth supplies, review the inventory of  educational handouts,  pull books from the home library, and then get it all in the vehicle.  Last, but certainly not least, the dog(s) that will be attending get a bath so as to put their best foot forward for the breed.  If a foster is not available to attend, our dogs are taken to serve as ambassadors for the breed.  I always try to have one in coat there as most people have never seen an Apso in full coat outside the show ring.  Makes for some very interesting conversations with the most frequent comment being, “You must have to brush this coat daily!”  The big surprise is … I don’t do daily grooming!

We arrive early to unload and get set up — table display and dogs in place before the crowds start to arrive.  Looking across the large room, I see many exhibitors from past years and some new faces.  Later on, we’ll take a break and go visit the other booths … bronze statues, K9 photographers, pet crematorium, pet cemetery, dog bakery, canine massage therapist, to name a few.  All interesting when one has the time to browse.

This year, we were one of the few rescues in attendance and probably the only rescue with dogs in tow.  Having Dante there in coat pretty much guarantees we’ll see a lot of traffic at our booth and this year was no exception.  I love talking to the kids and seeing their reaction when they get to pet him … the little girls are especially fascinated with him.  The parents laugh when I tell them that “my husband calls this my Barbie doll.”    We’re also quick to point out that the breed comes in a “wash’n'wear” version, showing them one in a puppy cut. 

The dogs are on their best behavior and clearly enjoy the interaction with folks stopping to chat.   Dante took a shine to one little guy and proceeded to clean the top of his head for him … much to the boy’s delight.  At one point, we had a line of folks waiting to greet the dogs.  The day winds down and we start packing up all the gear, already thinking how we can add to the experience for next year’s visitors.

All in all, it’s a great way to connect with like-minded members of the community and educate folks about this unique breed that shares our heart and hearth.