TAKING A WALK — Dogs of a variety of breeds and their owners took a walk along the gravel trail surrounding the new dog park at Wintersville’s Edward P. Laman Community Park during the village’s first Dog Daze event. — Warren Scott
WINTERSVILLE — Canines of various breeds and sizes were the focus of an afternoon of contests and activities designed to raise awareness of the village’s new dog park.
Held Sunday at the Edward P. Laman Community Park, the Dog Daze event started with a pet parade along the gravel trail surrounding the dog park, which includes two gated areas: One for dogs 25 pounds or more and the other for dogs weighing less than that.
That was followed by three contests to determine the cutest dog in attendance, the best costume and the best trick.
As judges, Councilman Randy Spence, Megan Presley and Jaime Herald had the difficult task of selecting the cutest canine from 15 charming contenders.
Ultimately, James Lash, who served as master of ceremonies, was called upon to break a tie between two King Charles spaniels, with Ellie May, owned by Brian and Megan Koniski of Wintersville, being declared the winner, and Cooper, owned by Dan and Pam Schloss of Wintersville, named runner-up.
The winner of the costume contest was Opey, a 15-year-old Chinese crested owned by Angie Swiger of Hopedale, who was dressed as the Marvel superhero-inspired Dogpool.
And, getting the judges’ nod for best trick was Remmy, a 16-year-old Australian shepherd, who followed the orders of his owner, Lisa Vandruff of Bloomingdale, to lay down and remain while she stepped over him.
Vikky Gaston of Weirton, who was on hand to deliver an obedience demonstration with her 4-year-old whippet, Feather, applauded village officials for establishing the dog park.
“This is my first time (at the park),” she said, adding, “We need something like this. It’s a great opportunity to meet other dog lovers.”
Wintersville resident Brian Koniski said since it opened, his wife, Megan, has often brought their dog there.
Before that, they went to a dog park in Wheeling, he said, but now save those visits for weekends.
The dog park was established this summer using $100,000 in state capital budget funds and $10,000 in county recreation funds.
And it’s one of a number of additions village officials hope to make to the park, which is behind the Village Building on Grove Street and includes playground equipment donated by the Indian Creek School District.
An amphitheater and a small fishing pond are among ideas that have been proposed for the site, pending available funding.
Councilwoman Gael Damron expressed thanks to all involved with the event, from vendors selling food and treats and supplies for dogs to many volunteers, including fellow members of the village’s beautification committee.
During Dog Daze, the group held drawings to raise money for future projects.
The group has been involved with the placement along Main Street of banners honoring veterans and benches in various areas through a grant from the JB Green Team and sponsorships by local businesses and others.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
