Humanely Speaking July 2012
Despite the overcast conditions, at the end of April hundreds of Riley County animal lovers -- and their animals! -- made what we hope will be their annual pilgrimage to City Part for Riley County Humane Society's Beastie Ballyhoo! We were very grateful to have this huge, annual event sponsored this year by Manhattan Broadcasting, Little Apple Veterinary Hospital, Sunflower Pet Supply and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.Prominently on hand at Beastie Ballyhoo! were a number of non-profit animal rescue groups, various children's groups, and quite a number of local businesses that were connected to animals in some way. And just in case you forgot lunch, or had an attack of the munchies, both People's Grocery and Orange Leaf Yogurt were on hand to make sure that humane treatment extended to humans too!
K-State veterinarian Dr. Lindsay Blevins was available to answer questions at the Ballyhoo's 'Ask a Vet' booth, and contributing veterinarians Drs. Suzanne Avery and Lisa Pohlman helped raise money for RCHS, while treating animal owners to great deals on microchips (painlessly implanted that day in over 60 animals), and offering low-cost rabies vaccinations to a large number of dogs (we sold out!).There was plenty to see and do as well. Volunteers were on hand to help find "fur-ever" homes for adoptable animals, and to keep children happily bouncing in the bouncy houses. Dogs from all over Riley County showed their talents and charm in the Most Playful, Most Obedient, Most Impressive Trick, and Goofiest Dressed categories of our 'Strut Your Mutt' contest.
Master of Ceremonies, Evan Tuttle, entertained the audience with many interjections of wit, and introduced a series of wonderful presentations from ATA Taekwondo, the Mutt School, the K-State Tap Ensemble, Gymnastics Plus, and the Bates Dance Stdio. And, of course, pet watching was at its peak with hundreds of excited furry creatures out for a 'walk in the park' that none of them will soon forget!
The 2013 Beastie Ballyhoo is scheduled for Sunday, April 28th, at Manhattan City Park. If you'd like to be a part of the festivities, please contact Morgan Peters, morgan@rchsks.org.
