Sunday, November 20, 2016

Canine Christmas Festival - 2016


Saturday at 10:15 I walked behind these cute dogs and their owners as I entered The 2016 Canine Christmas Festival. The festival is the annual fund raiser to help with all the MANY rescue groups that are trying to save the lives of dogs and cats.  It was a  beautiful 74 degrees.


I noticed this young lady with a camera, standing taking photos through the trees and wondered what she was seeing.


HO HO HO, it was Santa's Photo Booth, selling pics with pets to raise funds for rescue pups and cats


We had a great turnout, this photo was taken at Noon in a 81 degree day... See the green bags? if you paid a dollar to kiss a dog, they gave you a green bag. I paid Five Dollars to kiss the pup and the bag had a surprise of treats in it for Jake

Rich 2014 festival

My first visit to Canine Christmas Festival was with my BFF Rich in 2009 and I have only missed one festival since then. Rich passed away November 8th, 2015 10 days before he 2015 festival. I just could not go. Saturday I went again and this is dedicated in memory of my friend Rich Rodgers. and this link is to Canine Christmas Past

21 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Sandra. It is so nice that you dedicated this post in memory of your friend Rich! The Canine Christmas Festival looks like a fun time for humans and the canines. I wish i could have gone too. Happy Sunday, enjoy your new week ahead!

Jo said...

O, Sandra, I'm all choked up and teary-eyed that you dedicated this post to your friend, Rich. And what a fantastic idea to have this canine festival at Christmas time. Thanks for sharing. Jo

Hootin Anni said...

Beautiful....in every way.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful tribute to Rich. I love the pictures and I'm so happy the weather was nice.

Anonymous said...

It is nice to see the preparation for Christmas!

Gail said...

I know you miss Rich but I like to think he was there with you.

Mevely317 said...

A Canine Christmas Festival sounds like such a splendid idea!

More than a year later, I'm sure it was difficult being there without Rich. Let's believe he's proud of you for doing so! I enjoyed reading more about him.

Marie said...

so glad you attended this year, Rich would want you there since he knows of your love for puppy dogs. I know you miss your BFF. I'm going to mention Canine Christmas to our vet. :)
hugs!

DawnTreader said...

Phew, it must be really hot wearing a Santa costume in that climate ! :)

My Mind's Eye said...

Ohhhh I love this post!!!
I am sure Rich was with you in spirit!!
Hugs Cecilia

photowannabe said...

This is a lovely tribute to your friend Rich.
The day seems to be a success and you got some special treats for Jake too.
Glad you could make the Canine Christmas.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Aww.I recognized rich right away, and my eyes are tearing up. What a wonderful friend he was! Your dog and Santa pictures are awesome, and I see that Santa even managed to get a few dogs right on his lap. These would make really cute Christmas cards! Beautiful weather, palm trees, and dog lovers.

Rose said...

I cannot imagine losing my BFF...I bet you miss him every day. But glad you were able to go to this years Canine Christmas...

Breathtaking said...

Hello Sandra!:) You have some loving memories of your friend, who I'm sure would have wanted you to attend the festival this year. Thank you for sharing this tribute to Rich, and all the wonderful photos of the Canine Christmas Festival.

Ann said...

I'm glad to see you went. While you were enjoying 74 and 81 degree weather we had 34 and it started snowing. I wish I could have been there instead of here freezing

Mersad said...

You guys always have great activities for pet owners. Love it!

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

Linda P said...

I'm glad you felt able to go to the Festival this time Sandra. You must still miss your good friend Rich but he would be pleased that you went and supported an event for a good cause close to your hearts.

diane b said...

A lovely tribute to Rich, your friend. I bet he would be pleased to know that you made it this year. A grey function for a great cause.

Lois said...

How fun and what a great idea! I love seeing Santa's Photo Booth with the dogs.

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

What a great way to celebrate Rich and what a wonderful way to raise money for rescue groups!!!

Betty Manousos said...

a beautiful tribute to rich, your friend.
your dog and santa's photos are terrific! a canine christmas festival sounds like a great idea!