Costumed canines get their day
Chihuahuas, great danes and other dogs donned disguises and strolled through downtown Thorold Saturday morning.
Even Cruella Deville and Lucky (a.k.a. Marla and John Bolibruck) were spotted with their dalmations Perdy and Pongo.
A slight drizzle didn’t dampen the mood, and spectators smiled watching dogs — dressed as dinosaurs, bumblebees and devils — parade past them in the city’s first Canine Costume Contest and Puppy Promenade.
“I thought there would be about 10 dogs on a (rainy) day like today,” said Coun. Fred Neale.
Instead, a total of 49 pooches participated in the city-sponsored event.
“It was a huge hit and a ton of fun,” said BIA marketing cochair and event organizer Diana D’Intino, who’s also part owner of A Yellow Flower Basket on Front Street.
“We were energized by the enthusiasm of the participants and the creativity of their costumes.”
Unleashed from the starting site of Dr. Alistair Ker’s soon-toopen new veterinary clinic, the parade drove pedestrians downtown, which was D’Intino’s intent when she came up with the idea a few months ago.
“People rediscovered downtown. They were impressed by the revitalization of the old and the breath of fresh air from the new,” she said.
“The other awesome thing about the day was how so many community groups rallied together to make it happen.”
Canine contestants filed past senior judges at Cobblestone Village Retirement Residence, and finished at Thorold Public Library, where winners were announced.
Gail Stewart and her dog Tessa, dressed as a minion and a banana, took the Top Dog Award. Melanie Burscik and her German shorthaired pointer, Vivace, disguised as a “cereal killer” — complete with knife, simulated blood, and covered in cereal boxes — won first runner-up.
The Best Friends Award went to superhero Klaire Marr and her Great Danes, Ryker and Gracie, dressed as Batman and Robin. The first runner-up went to Jennifer Gardner-Hayes and her dancing Jack Russell and wired terrier, Jacob, who also clinched the Cobblestone Cutie Award. The seniors chose Jaclyn Ugulini and her dog Oliver — dressed as a skunk — for the first runner-up.
Dr. Ker, PetValu, and CIBC staff all helped sponsor the event by giving treats and prizes. Lynn’s Grooming Salon offered pet-sitting services for people wanting to shop. Nick Dell’omo baked up batches of healthy dog biscuits at the Biscotti Café.
Rob Goslin and Brian Cranford were enlisted from the Thorold Community Theatre, along with Cobblestone Village volunteer Bev Cruise, to judge the event. Kelly Liddycoat and Judy Wright from Bocchinfuso Funeral Home were called in as extra judges “at the last second,” said D’Intino.
Said Cruise. “I never had so much fun.”