June 1, 2015 at 4:33 p.m.
A day for the dogs
Tails on the Trail, Yappy Hour benefit man's best friend
A day for the dogs
By Kayla Thomason-
Dogs and their owners had a full day of fun attending the Tails on the Trail event in the morning and Yappy Hour in the evening.
The morning started out chilly and overcast, but that didn't deter people from participating in the Tails on the Trail at the YMCA of the Northwoods.
"The turnout this year is good. The weather isn't cooperating with us as well as it was last year. It was over 70 degrees last year and sunny," said Dwight Webb, event volunteer.
"I think it's great, I'm glad to see there's a good turnout even with the weather," said Judy Skala. She participated with her yellow lab, Journey.
"It's a lot of fun, (I'm) glad to see all the different dogs here, the different ages and different breeds," Skala said, adding that she plans to attend again next year.
"I think it's a good event, good for the dogs, good for people to get out and walk," Webb said. "It's a fun event that everybody gets to come out and socialize their dogs as well."
Even puppies enjoyed padding along on the dirt trail and exploring all sorts of new things.
Abby Bruso and Sam Hurlburt took to the trail with Kobe, a three-month-old boxer/pug/Boston terrier mix.
"I like it, it's really fun, " Bruso said. "(Kobe) likes it, he made two laps so far. I like that there's different stations and there's more than just the trail."
Hurlburt also enjoyed the event.
"I think this is a great event and I think it's awesome that they let us do this, take our dogs out here on a nice trail," he said.
Hurlburt and Bruso plan on coming again next year and hope Kobe can go two laps longer than he did this year.
Some people traveled to attend Tails on the Trail.
Alyssa Zimmerman and her Labrador, Bell, traveled from Wausau. This is their second time participating.
"I love it," Zimmerman said. "We had a lot of fun last year. It's a good time out on the trails. It's a nice facility and the trails are really well groomed and the dogs love to play."
She plans to come back every year.
"I think it's a neat thing that the YMCA is offering this and it gets the dogs out and people to do something with their dogs," said Carol Lofquist of TLC Dog Training.
Pawz n' Clawz, Superior Monument, Northwoods K-9 Sports, TLC Dog Training, and T & M Kennels were the sponsors this year.
Yappy Hour
The canine-focused day concluded in the late afternoon with the first annual Yappy Hour at the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport.
"We're trying to raise awareness for the actual Bark for Life event that's coming up Aug. 29, so this is a great start and there's new people here that we haven't had before which is really nice," said Diane Geis-Hapka, community manager for the American Cancer Society.
"We were looking at something that we could kick off for the summer and nothing long, it's only two hours, but it's just a fun time to just loosen up and get ready for the fundraising this summer," added co-organizer Carol Lofquist. "Yappy Hour is for the dogs and us to just chill and have some pizza and some cool-looking drinks."
Both women said they were pleased with the turnout.
In 2013, Bark for Life of Northwoods was the top Bark for Life event in the state of Wisconsin and last year it was No. 1 in the Midwest.
"We're trying to do more and more things to keep our fundraising dollars raised up," Geis-Hapka said.
People in attendance could have photos taken of their pets or get their best friend a pedicure. Snacks and water were available for people and dogs.
There were also agility and obedience demonstrations as well as flyball.
"(This is) the first time we are here. We've never been here, never knew about it, but we think it's a dynamite idea," Rolf Reisgies said. He was there with his mini Labradoodle, Henry.
Reisgies was impressed with the obedience demonstrations and said he would come again next year.
"It seems to be well attended and a nice variety of activities," said Jean Wood, who attended the event with her daughter, Anna, and Lily, the family's tri-colored springer spaniel.
Anna is in 4-H agility and she and Lily demonstrated the course with Jane Kubisiak and Morgan, an English setter.
"I think it's wonderful that the event helps bring awareness to cancer and that's a good cause," Jean Wood said.
Ben Chartier and his pitbull/Lab mix, Rex, had fun socializing and enjoying the day.
"(Yappy Hour is) great, definitely a fun time, it's a great opportunity to get some awareness for an event later in the summer," Chartier said.
Those who would like to attend, but don't have a canine companion are still welcome.
"If you don't own a dog come anyway because there is always somebody willing to share their pup with you," Geis-Hapka said.
Also at the social event was an orange kayak decorated with paw print stickers each with the name of a dog on it.
Lofquist's husband, Vince, will take a 13-day kayaking adventure along the Wisconsin River.
"I'd seen a couple gentlemen that kayaked the Mississippi (River) and I thought I can do the Wisconsin River so we decided to do it, and with Carol being involved in the Bark for Life I thought it would be a great charitable event," he said.
He will have help around the dams and people can join him for some segments along the way.
There are currently 55 paws on the kayak.
People can purchase a paw print for $5. The money will go toward Bark for Life.
To purchase a paw print, call Lofquist at (715) 966-1444.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla@ rivernewsonline.com.
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