The “Fanci Anne Strut” a perfect Dog Day of Summer event

Organizers (left to right) – Desiree Ellis, Karen Voepel and Judy Turpin

Saturday’s “Fanci Anne Strut” dog party was a smashing success.  The event, held in the Enchanted Forest on August 17  in conjunction with the day’s Downtown Custom & Classic car show, surpassed even the loftiest of expectations.  Many people in Lamar knew or have heard of Fanci Anne, the beloved Pomeranian companion of Desiree Ellis.  Known for her love of hot pink everything, as well as her cars, her “doghouses” and her extensive wardrobe of adorable clothing, Fanci Anne delighted everyone who met her.  Her passing left a massive hole in Desiree’s heart, but she continues to be remembered and honored by events such as this.   Attending the event on Saturday were close to 50 dogs of all sizes, breeds and backgrounds and the owners who love them.  The smallest dog I saw was an extremely tiny Chihuahua and the largest a massive Great Dane.  The event began with a dog parade that wove throughout the Enchanted Forest, as dogs and owners mingled and got to know each other.  Tails were happily wagging and dog kisses were in abundance.  It was particularly joyful to me to see how many kids attended and proudly showed off their family’s pets.

Kiddie pools filled with water (filled courtesy of The Home Store were scattered throughout and were much enjoyed on the very warm day.   Gift certificates for doggie spa days were donated by area groomers Jan Holmes, Tail Wag’n Groomers and Groomingdales.  Winners were chosen by drawings in 3 categories – small, medium and large breeds.  Goodie bags, bone-shaped waste bag dispensers, treats and many adorable dog-themed gifts were handed out at the free event, made possible by donations from Home and Season and Tractor Supply Company.  An employee from Scooter’s Coffee was on hand to treat all pups to yummy “pup cups” of whipped cream as well, which were a big hit.

After enjoying their cool treat, families were invited to go up on stage with their pet, so that the dog could be introduced.  Lots of smiles were in evidence as the names of dogs, their background stories and demonstrations of any “special talents” were revealed to the crowd.  Many of the dogs’ “tales” were heartwarming, ranging from an older dog whose previous owner had passed away and then was adopted by another loving home, to the ones rescued from shelters at various ages, including dogs who started out as foster dogs but were adopted by the foster families who couldn’t bear to part with them.  ALL the dogs were simply fabulous and delightful.

Some of the crowd favorites who were brought onstage included Sheryl Yoder’s  “Pom Squad”, a family of 3 darling Pomeranians, one of whom showed off his dancing skills; “Ziggy” and “Murphy”, the Bernese Mountain Dog brothers whose “special talent” was sleeping (demonstrated by one of them flopping down comfortably onstage and then refusing to leave); the dainty Princess Isabella (who prefers the nickname of “Izzy”) and her beautiful hot pink dress and bows on her ears, with her owner (Cheryl Preisser) in a matching hot pink outfit, and “Guiness”, sporting a jaunty Colorado flag-printed harness (a “true Colorado dog” as stated by one of his young human siblings).  Other stars were “Teak” the brown Australian Shepherd; “Duke”, the rescue dog training to be a hospice dog; “Sugar”, a tiny Yorkie and “Shasta”, the aforementioned grand dame who was adopted in her golden years and who was resplendent in her pink and white striped dress with matching pink hat.  A standout due to his arresting pale blue eyes was “Poncho”, a black and white Aussie-Doodle owned by Anthony Aguilera.  Poncho won “Best of Show” and was awarded the grand prize – a suitcase full of wonderful dog items, including a fluffy blanket, dog bowl, frisbee, Lambchop toy and a golden bone.

Best of Show winner “Poncho” and owner Anthony Aguilera

A DJ was present, playing hits including “Who Let the Dogs Out”, “How Much Is That Doggy In the Window” and ended the event by playing Desiree’s favorite tribute to Fanci Anne, the song “Chasing Butterflies” (which brought tears to the eyes of more than one person, myself included).  I overheard several people commenting on what a great time they and their dogs had and hoping that this will become a yearly event.  The event was the brainchild of three of Lamar’s “go-getter gals”, Judy Turpin, Desiree Ellis and Karen Voepel.  If you see them, please compliment them on the fantastic job they did!  More photos of the event can be found on The Prowers Journal’s Facebook page from the day of the event.

By Barbara Crimond