After days of observing newscasts and comparing one to another,
I have drawn a conclusion. There are too many news channels
on TV and very few commentators that make sense.
I
have watched news channel host interview guest that are announced
as experts, debate what the expert has said to the point
of almost arguing with them. When we all watch a news report,
we expect to learn something new. Recent reports from Japan
are so contradictory we can’t help but be confused. One
report announced, “There is no danger of radiation contamination
if a person is outside a 20-mile radius.” There soon
followed a report stating, “Radiation clouds will dissipate
and there is no way that the U.S. can be in danger of contamination.” Three
days later the report said, “Radiation from Japan has
reached our west coast.”
The
same type of confusion about news reports applies to the
problems in Libya. One time we are told all is calm the
next
broadcast we learn people are being massacred. Then we
hear, “No
troops on the ground, “soon followed by, “U.S.
plane down.”
I finally gave up and decided to turn the news off, turn the
radio on Sirius music and just hit the road.
My
wife had read in a local paper about an event strangely named, “Woof-Stock” subtitled, “Musical Mutt
Mingle.” It was being held in a town a few miles down
the road. The article about it noted, “Pets could bring
their people” and “Well mannered dogs on a leash
may attend.” The list of activities sounded so amusing;
Blessing of the Pets, Rescue me Mutt Strut of adoptable pets,
K-9 CPR, America’s Top Dog Model contest and the list
went on. As we scanned it we were delighted to see, “Ultimate
Air Dogs Dock Diving.” Once we saw that we knew
we had to go.
The
ride to the event was only about 15 miles, much closer than
our trips to Imlay City where the Woods-N-Water
Outdoor show has hosted the Ultimate Air Dogs the
past several
years. As we approached the park where the event
was taking place,
we saw dogs EVERYWHERE, crossing the road and “well manneredly” walking
along both sides of the road. We found great parking
and there was no charge for entry.
The
event was sponsored by Marr-Velous Pet Rescues and Adoptions.
Many of the activities were listed
as interactive
for people
or interactive for pets as well as both people
and pets. We saw the “FunkyTown Dog & Parent Hippie Costume” contest
taking place and witnessed “Team Mad Mac” lure
coursing event. This was a dirt track where dogs
chased a lure to determine which dog was the fastest.
We later
learned
one
of the dogs caught the lure and ate it.
There
were numerous rescue booths and lots of dogs parading around
with cute jackets that read, “Adopt Me.” The
rescue booths were for mutts, as well as thoroughbreds,
sheep dogs, boxers, dachshunds and, believe it or not, Siberian
huskies!
There were literally more than a 1,000 dogs
mingling and being “well
mannered.” Every breed imaginable was
represented including a bloodhound named “Bernard,” who
fell in love with me and slobbered me up pretty
good.
Thinking I might
dip my hands in their pool, we headed for the
air dog show.
The
Ultimate Air Dog Dock Diving contest, which has always been
a favorite spectator activity
for years
when we
visit Imlay City, was conducted by former
Detroit Tiger pitcher,
Milt Wilcox. The variety of dogs participating
ranged from a very small Jack Russell to
a very large Great
Dane who
discovered it was easier to walk around the
four foot deep pool on his
hind legs — splashing with his front
paws, rather than swim. That sight was not
the funniest.
One of
the dogs jumped
off the dock then decided he liked the pool
and did not want to get out. Everything was
tried
until the
owner
threw up
her hands and waded into the pool to retrieve
her dog. Neither one fetched the toy that
was thrown.
We caught up with Milt as he took a well deserved
break and asked him what show, the Woods-N-Water
Outdoor show in Michigan
or Woof Stock in the Keys was better. He admitted
he had a soft spot for the
Woods-N-Water
show but also declared, “I have to say
this — weather is a lot better here.” It was about
80 degrees — a temperature never
experienced at the Imlay City show in
late September.
Milt said he hoped
to
bring the
flying dogs back to the Keys next year.
We
found out the main sponsor of the Keys event, Marr-Velous
Pet Rescues and
Adoptions,
has
developed a curious
but “Marrvelous” idea.
You can sign up to qualify for adoption of a pet — they
screen each request vigorously, or provide foster care for
animals so they can avoid having to kennel them. How great
for the animals to be in a foster home instead of a cage while
awaiting adoption. Proceeds from many of the 85 booths at the
show went toward efforts to rescue pets. Check out Marr-Velous
on petrescues.org online or on Facebook. Petfinder.com is another
resource if you’re looking to
adopt.
As I see it, Woof-Stock provided a great break
from the daily turmoil of world news and happenings
by making us look at the
lighter side.