Sunday, October 30, 2011

One Trick and Many Treats

"Do you think this will fit her?"....I ask this of my mother while holding up a Georgia Bulldogs cheerleader outfit sized for young girls but in this case Erin would be the one sporting it. A doggie Halloween costume from the pet stores was too commonly seen thus thinking outside the box was required to ensure she stands out from the pack and I hoped my decision to dress her as a cheerleader would do just that. This was the final piece of the ensemble for Wag-O-Ween, an annual event held in historic Savannah to benefit The Humane Society for Greater Savannah but first a test fitting was needed to see if she'll tolerate the costume. Red, black, and white lace ribbons are placed in her long drooping ears thus she tries desperately to dislodge them but they remain firmly affixed much to her dismay. Next elastic bands that resemble pom poms are fastened above her front paws and like the ribbon she attempts to get them off but quickly realizes her efforts are futile so she plops down near Mom whom she believes will protect her from further abuse. Finally the red uniform is pulled down over her head while the front legs are awkwardly maneuvered though the arm openings but before long her scowl turns into a smile...."You look beautiful girl" and with that her outfit is removed (for a few days at least).


With Erin dressed as a cheerleader we arrive at the registration point to make the required donation, receive a map of nearly 100 businesses that will hand out doggie treats over a 5 hour span and then we began our trek through downtown Savannah to accumulate as many treats as possible. The route is plotted to visit the maximum number of participants in the shortest amount of time and we stroll along often in the company of other dogs dressed up as superheros, angels, dinosaurs, etc. There are many new scents throughout the historic district on this day so Erin stops constantly to inhale the lovely aromas and dogs being dogs she leaves her mark behind for those interested. In every direction there is a dog forced to wear a costume in order to score treats but the multitude of wagging tails reveals the canine world is willing to accept some humiliation for a bag full of delicious goodies. After a five minute walk the first orange sign signifying a participant is spotted and the first of several hundred biscuits is tossed into Erin's Wag-O-Ween bag.


A few establishments had employees outside handing out treats as dogs weren't permitted inside but the majority allowed them to wander in to collect their bounty and admiration before heading towards the next stop. Employees reached into bowls overflowing with goodies while Erin did everything in her power to charm them into giving her something extra and many times it worked as she received some biscuits on the spot. Those doling out treats remarked upon her beauty while wondering if she was capable of performing tricks..."Can you shake?" they ask of her thus the right paw springs upward in compliance. She would have gladly exchanged shakes for biscuits all day :) For hours we stroll along while the mound of treats in the bag steadily grows but this unusually hot and humid October day begins to takes its toll. Whenever possible we took sanctuary to escape the brutal heat and that wasn't too difficult as Erin befriended many folks along the route. A group of college students staffing a clothing store were totally smitten by Erin thus we hung out while they doted upon her and she in return followed them around the premises as if she owned the place. Eventually it was time to move on but not before she got her fill of attention and was told to return anytime.


Ocassionally I was put on edge as we entered art galleries, souvenir shops, and other places that had breakable objects; her sniffing nose got too close for my comfort but thankfully she never broke anything. There was much temptation for the dogs especially when the treat bowls were upon the ground and Erin shoved her snout into them for an extra biscuit whenever possible...Who can blame her?? The best was saved for last as we spent quality time at the bookstore and coffee shop with long time friends whom ensured Erin receive ample amounts of biscuits; costumed dogs that stopped by were met by a cheerleader whom was very tired but still displayed a broad smile. In time exhaustion overcame her to the point where she laid down next to a bookcase and drifted off to sleep dreaming of the bounty of collected treats; book browsing customers gingerly stepped over her sprawled body in an effort to avoid awakening her. She awoke after a brief nap and it was now time to head home after a fun-filled hectic day so we said goodbye to our marvelous hosts and made the short drive home.
I immediately removed her outfit after entering the house then she laid upon the couch with the intention of getting some well-deserved rest but before that happened I spread a portion of the goodies out before her and took a pic though she was now completely worn out. Within minutes she was in deep sleep and before long I fell asleep next to her as so many times before....A good ending to a fabulous day!!
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The positive reaction for Erin exceeded my expectations for sure and she didn't mind one bit as attention was always welcomed with open paws. I felt a sense of pride upon seeing folks stop us in the streets to pay a compliment or ask to take a photo with her; she won many hearts on that day while our time together was very special and most memorable. The total treat count was near 300 with many of them gourmet or home-made variety, not too shabby for a few hours of going door to door.

RIP Erin!! May you always have biscuits!!

32 comments:

  1. She won many hearts on many days. What a wonderful story to share with us.

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  2. Sj Erin was born to touch hearts!! Thanks for stopping by :)

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  3. Love the picture with all her treats on the sofa! Now I would especially love YOUR view on the toy dog and poop a scoop that is expected to be a hit with kids !
    http://www.notanottinghillmum.co.uk/2011/10/would-you-buy-a-toy-dog-and-poop-scoop-for-christmas-the-experts-say-you-will/

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  4. Just look at her... how can one not fall in love with her!

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  5. Precious costume on a precious pup! Thanks for sharing this endearing story right before Halloween, David; it's perfect for the season!
    And, Erin was the perfect dog . . .

    Blessings!

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  6. @NottinghillMum Thanks for visiting!!

    @Sparkle She had a magical way with people for sure. Thank you for commenting :)

    @Martha I thought it would be a great idea to share the story with Halloween just hours away. Erin had a wonderful time that day, shame she passed away before we could do it again. Appreciate you stopping by!! :)

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  7. What a wonderful story..thanks Michael..your posts always make me smile. Erin was and is a special soul...and she made quite the cute cheerleader too! :)

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  8. awwwwwwwwwww what an awesome experience..I think erin did better then my kids did..LOLOL..way to go Erin....Thank you for sharing this....I feel a smile on my face....As always...XOXOXOXOXO

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  9. I love your phrase...May you have Many Biscuits.....and collect them she did..not only the eatable ones, but the treats of Love that were showered upon her.

    What a wonderful way to raise money to help our lovely friends. It is a win..win for everyone..and like always...Erin came through...right down to suffering her cute little costume. She looked adorable...and at the end..tired and ready to sleep...surrounded by the fruits of her labour and a loving Dad...ready to curl up with her...loved this post...I was ready for a visit with you and Erin..always warms my heart...Always my friend...RIP Erin...and I am sure you have Many Biscuits...

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  10. I Love her costume, esp the ribbons around her paws like pompoms! Sounds like you both had a great time for a great cause. Love your photos. And, Erin sure came home with a great haul!!!

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  11. Wonderful post about a wonderful pair. thank you for sharing this special time with us.Erin was indeed born to touch hearts as through you she is touching ours.

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  12. What a charmer, that girl! Ra Ra Erin; you go in that cheerleading outfit ;-) And may you always enjoy the best of the biscuits!

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  13. I have never heard of Wag o' Ween, but I think it's a brilliant event. Erin's beauty just shines and you can tell she was in her element. I always love your posts about your dear girl. Thanks for sharing her memories with us. She will always be remembered because of you.

    http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2011/10/lyric-fire-please-fix-that-typo-in-your-bio.html

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  14. @Jessica Erin was quite the special soul and everyone thought she was an adorable cheerleader. One proud Dad I was that day!!

    @Bonnie So glad that I was able to bring a smile to you!! Erin got far more treats than I ever did in my years of trick or treating..She had snacks for weeks :)

    @Raven Treats and attention for a worthy cause...How can anyone top that?? Erin took everything in stride and came home with a huge stash. No doubt she is watching mewhile muching on a biscuit :)

    @Mari Those pom poms are actually luggage tags but I thought they'd be cute and they worked better than I imagined. Great time for both of us and yes she did very good :)

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  15. @Jan I've always believed Erin was put on Earth to touch hearts and comfort folks...She did that very well. It's my pleasure to share these stories!!

    @Debra She knew how to move people and the cheerleader outfit didn't hurt. Biscuits galore!!! :)

    @Tameka WOW is held across the country for numerous animal causes..glad to have helped here in Savannah. Erin's life story is worthy of being continued. Thanks for stopping by :)

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  16. Erin was a charmer and a sweetheart...bless her soul, love reading about her experiences and the joy she spread in her lifetime. I can see how much you miss her, she is an angel...

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  17. She looks so pretty in that outfit. I can imagine her standing on her paws to shake hands to get some treats. Beautiful.

    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/10/as-veil-lifted.html

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  18. Is there no wonder she came back a bag full..Erin was made to love and be loved and you, my friend, did a fine job of giving her the freedom to be herself. RIP, Erin.

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  19. How very beautiful. She would have looked adorable in anything you would have chosen :)

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  20. What a wonderful story David! She looked adorable in her outfit! I love the photo with all the treats in front of her...she looks overwhelmed!

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  21. That must have been! Love the pom poms! ;P

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  22. She is one of those pets that will be with you throughout your life. Precious! A jewel to behold :)

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  23. @Sulekkha Erin had the ability to charm most anyone especially if affection or food was involved. I certainly miss her most than words can express.

    @Rimly She would have done most anything for treats so shaking paws was a breeze for her:)

    @Corinne I put Erin in situations to excel and she never failed me...One proud Dad I was!!

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  24. @Mary You're correct as she was would have been lovely in anything...Thanks for the kind words!!

    @Nelieta She is very tired in the treat photo and so ready for sleep as was I plus she wanted some but the pics came first..

    @Sweepy Jean It was a blast and I was relieved that the makeshift pom poms worked. Thanks for stopping by!!

    @Anna Erin will live in my heart forever!! I knew we had something special while together and it's confirmed after her passing.

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  25. So, so SWEET! You make me wish I was a 'dog person' -- haha! I definitely would have LOVED to be strolling the streets that day with my camera! Thank you for sharing this lovely, touching story, David!

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  26. Linda It was a fun event to take part in or simply observing the parade of doggies was much fun. Folks asked " Why are the dogs all dressed up in costume?"....not something one sees everyday so it was a good place to be with a camera. Maybe a Kitty event will be held in the future for cat lovers ;) Thanks for visiting!!

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  27. Wow that sure is alot of treats!! Wonder if she got a tummy ache? Erin was not only loved by you, but she was loved by many.

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  28. she looked cho chweet :D

    Lovely post as ever !!

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  29. @Debbie No tummy aches!! She recieved a few treats at a time until they were all gone. Loved by many for sure!!

    @Rachel Thanks!! :)

    @Jyoti Sweet she was...Thanks for visiting!!

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  30. aw, she is adorable. such a touching story!

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