The Thank You List Continues
Joe Ouimet
ARF's Very Hairy Pet Parade was a real scorcher! Thanks to Jeff at Rent-A-Tent we had a cool spot at Samson Machine to eat donuts donated by Phil of Dunkin Donuts. Our DJ Al Pist supplied tunes while Rocky the Rockcat made a surprise visit.
The parade had Bull Mastiffs owed by our hostess Wolcott's Outstanding Teen, Erin Ward. Billy Barrett brought his Great Dane, Bull Terrier, and two ambulances…which were good to have because of the heat!! Fire Chief Kyle Dunn brought a ton of people and two huge fire trucks. Cheyenne the horse, owned by Kara of the Wolcott Vet, didn't care for the trucks too much but she was a good sport that day.
Wolcott's Police Captain Dom Angiollio, whose love of animals is legendary, enjoyed hugging all those dogs. Officer Tommy Gorman and the ever popular Jeff Bender came by to help with the parade. The Wolcott Police Explorers Rob and Tony stayed all day and did a lot of work. The Police Explorers, led by Mark Dressel, are always the first to help. Once at the Expo, Farmingbury Floral stole the show with their doggie flowers. They always have a great display. The Pet Playhouse, Camelot Kennels, Wolcott Vet, and VCA Animal Hospital of Bristol had tables. Diana Towel, Mrs. Zappone, Pat Towel, Forrest Cesare, Suzanne Harry, Kate, Hillary, Margot, Joyce, Ursula, and Gloria Arf also helped set up the ARF tables alongside Sharons K-9 Barkery and WAG (We Adopt Greyhounds). Bonnie Arf even taught agility to some eager dogs!
Five Guys Flippin Pies kept all the humans and dogs eating pizza. Miss Wolcott Becki Albini attended and charmed us with her presence. Al and Paula Podzunas let Erin Ward and her dog Munson ride in their convertible. I still can't believe Al put Munson in his car. Sean Sullivan drove the K-9 truck with many brave souls on foot walking behind with their dogs in tow.
Fran Culver once again took ten thousand phone calls for this event that was sponsored by the Farmingbury Woman's Club. Their President, Mary Kelley and ARF's Preseident Kathy Johnson were leading the parade.
This event was in honor of ARF's longtime late volunteer Larry Palmieri. Another big time dog lover and friend of mine, Ruth Lyman was also remembered by ARF, family, and friends.
This was another testament to the community's passion to help animals. 95 degree heat couldn't stop Rene Johnpiere, Rene Martineau, Pat Arf, Heidi Arf, Phil Lesio, Mrs. Davis, or Pauline Voytas. One last thank you to the media who always helps ARF. Thank you to the Republican American, Bristol Press, Torrington Examiner, Prospect Pages, Plymouth Connection, WATR, and Bob and Juile Moore of the Wolcott Community News.
And Thank You to Wolcott. I couldn't work for a better town!
