08/08/2007

Dog Days Descend on Snow Hill
By Dolores E. Pike

The "Dog Days of Summer" was the theme for August as the Snow Hill Arts and Entertainment District hosted its monthly Arts on the River First Friday Gallery Walk this past weekend.  Held each month, from February through December, the shops and galleries in Snow Hill stay open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to welcome visitors, according to Ann Gibb who is in charge of public relations for the group.

An added treat for the August event was the dog parade which attracted a sizeable crowd of people.  Approximately 75 dogs, some in costume, and their owners participated by leading their pooches along a "runway" set in the parking lot adjacent to the Pocomoke River.  As each dog passed, cheering onlookers applauded. 

The "real" dog paraded was followed by a stuffed animal parade for those without a dog.  Five owners paraded their animals before the assemblage.

When the parade was over, onlookers paid to cast their vote for their favorite dog and/or stuffed animal.  The winning dogs were two golden retrievers, Sarge and Sumner, owned by Randy Coates.  A three foot tall pink flamingo, "Pinkur" owned by Uncle Ricky Cropper was judged the favorite stuffed animal.

According to Ms. Gibb, $335 was collected in the voting with the money being divided between Worcester G.O.L.D. and the Worcester County "Adopt a Pet" program of Worcester County animal control.

Chief of animal control for the county, Clyde Curtis and his assistant Susan Rantz, were on hand Friday evening to speak to anyone wishing clarification on the roll that animal control plays in the county.  Under the administration of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, four officers assigned to animal control pick up all stray cats and dogs in the county with the exception of Ocean City, which has its own animal control.  The county holds the animal for 10 days pending the arrival of its owner.  If no one claims the animal it will be held until, hopefully, adopted.  Mr. Curtis stressed that outwardly aggressive dogs such as the pit bulls they have been encountering will be euthanized but every effort is made to place good dogs in new homes.

Last year 130 dogs were adopted and, according to Mr. Curtis, the number of strays being picked up is rising.  A new animal control facility opened in Snow Hill in February 2006 with 28 dog runs and space for 50 cats.