2010: 17th Annual OES Rescue Parade, Burbank

Los Angeles went from a record breaking 113 degrees on Monday to a very pleasant 75 degrees six days later on Sunday, October 3, 2010 for our 17th Annual Rescue parade. The mood was very festive with 32 participants (and one late one). There were owners and Old English Sheepdogs looking to connect with friends from last year and eager to make new friends. Most of the time we don’t know what the dogs’ reactions will be when they meet again. Two brothers who had been inseparable when they were in rescue 8 months ago, now totally ignored each other. Then there were two siblings who had not seen each other for 3 years and immediately began playing and jumping at each other.

We set up “camp” in our usual spot next to the catalog sales and directly across from the group rings which hosts the parade just before the groups. Our silent auction tables were very busy with bids. This year many people chose to use the “Buy it Now” price feature and take their items right away.

At 12:30 PM all the dogs and owners assembled outside the ring before the announcements over the PA system began. We saw a wonderful myriad of styles of haircuts. As their names were announced, each dog and owner went around the ring to the applause of the crowd. They then met Burbank Kennel Club President and OESCA member, Marilyn Mayfield to receive their ribbon and pose for a photo. Many thanks to these OESCA members who helped us: Diane Reynolds and Sharon Thralls for manning the silent auction/sales booths, Christine Pesche for checking in and handing out armbands, Terry Kaufmann for setting up the individual and line-up photos and for printing our name tags, Amy Owen for assembling “goodie bags” and being our ring steward, and Linda Zimmerman for doing a yeoman job as our “hall monitor”. This was definitely a case of getting the event done with “a little help from our friends”.

Our wonderful hosts, the Burbank Kennel Club, helped make every participant feel very special at the parade. Our thanks also go to our parade sponsors: General Cage, ParadisePearl.com, DKNY, Ganalt Lumber, and 1800 PetMeds. And last but not least, very special thank yous to the Brentwood Pet Clinic, the Pet Affaire, and the Town Center Animal Hospitalfor their help throughout the year.

Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Old English Sheepdog Rescue Parade on Sunday October 2, 2011.
We hope to see you then!