Canine Carnival benefit brings out pets and their people - Local ...

PASCAGOULA -- Dozens of four-legged friends turned out Saturday at the Jackson County Fairgrounds pavilion for a day of fun at the second annual Canine Carnival.

The benefit was hosted by Coastal Mississippi Healthcare Fund.

?It?s so important for the community to come out and participate in things like this, first of all because we have so much fun,? said CMHF Executive Director Daniel Shepherd. ?Second of all, because we raise money to help the patients and staff at Singing River Health System and our PAWS program both.?

PAWS, or Pet Assisted Wellness Service, is a therapy service that brings specially trained dogs to patients at SRHS.

?This year we are splitting the profits between our unrestricted fund,? Shepherd said, ?which pays for medicines for patients leaving the hospital who can?t afford them, and PAWS.?

Activities were held throughout the day just for dogs and their people such as a canine obstacle course, a dog/human IQ test and a doggy treasure hunt.

In addition to the games such as ?bobbing for tennis balls? and numerous contests in various categories, two lucky dogs were able to publicly declare their ?puppy love? for one another in a wedding ceremony.

As the owners read the vows for the bride and groom, the loving couple gazed at one another, ending the ceremony, which was officiated by a local preacher, with an unexpected kiss.

Proud pet owners got to have their pups photographed, could speak with a veterinarian about pet health issues, and could purchase homemade healthy treats for their dogs.

Larry and Diane Deewaard of Gautier pushed their four small costumed pooches around the carnival in doggy strollers.

With ensembles that included a cowgirl and a stuffed turkey, the Deewaards? dogs won a variety of ribbons.

?We hear about a lot of different events through the (Gulf Coast) Humane Society and we try to go to whatever function we can, especially when we can bring the dogs,? Larry Deewaard said.

Children?s activities were also held all day long, as well, including face painting and picture-frame decorating.

Plans already are in progress for next year?s carnival, though officials are looking into changing venues in the hopes of making the event even more of a success.

Shepherd said about 70 dogs were in attendance this year.

Source: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/11/19/3586351/canine-carnival-benefit-brings.html

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