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Saturday June 17th the Dog Fest Film Festival was held in Los Angeles at the Gene Autry Museum.
It was a fabulous outdoor event complete with a 100-foot screen. The event opened at around
6:00pm for food and fun. Los Angelinos from all over gathered with their dogs to watch this year's winners of the worldwide film contest. 
This year's fundraiser was to benefit PAWSLA, a wonderful organization that helps people with terminal illnesses keep their pets during the hard and
stressful time. Bill Foundation was there to show their support, and in particular, Francie.
Fresh from her adventure at Walk For the Underdog (see story), Francie was anxious to view the films and to
meet her blind date. Yes, Francie did succumb to the temptations of internet dating. Looking to get out a little more, she made a date with another rescue
she had noticed on the Bill Foundation website. Although a little anxious, she had her friend, Sherri, make the call and the date was set.
 Sherri and Francie arrived a little early to get their tickets
and checkout the festival. After they entered the area, Francie spotted her date for the evening - a very handsome tri-colored pommie rescue named Haley. The
two did the obligatory introductions and sniff. With that out of the way, it was time for fun. The first stop for the
couple was the Bill Foundation booth where they picked up their snappy yellow "Adopt Me" bandanas. It was important that the festival attendees knew they were
looking for their forever home.
Next it was on to the PAWSLA booth to thank them for holding such a cool fundraiser and to wish them well. They also passed a food and drink booth but Francie
was too nervous to eat right now.
Like any good Hollywood event, there were paparazzi everywhere. The two graciously posed for the camera. Even though this was technically
their first date, both Haley and Francie thought the added publicity was important so that people knew about Bill Foundation and all the great work they
did helping to find homes for the poor dogs of Los Angeles who had no where to go. She had heard rumors that the networks were there, and she
hoped they would make the 11:00pm news.
On the way they passed several clothing booths. For tonight's event, Francie had opted to keep it simple and sported just a red halter and leash set.
She knew they'd be sitting outdoors. 
Out front, Tyson the skate boarding dog was doing a live demonstration – totally cool. On their way back to the BF booth, Francie's heart skipped a beat as
she saw two of the stars from Disney's movie "Eight Below". She loved that movie and was so excited to see Maya and Max in person. Haley was also a big
fan of the film so the two just had to have their picture taken with the two stars. What a night this was turning out to be. Too exciting!!!
Next the two decided it was time to find a good spot before it got too crowded. Quite a few people and their dogs had shown up
for the festival and they really wanted to sit in the middle for a good view.
They found a great place a little farther back so it wouldn't be so crowded. A few of their other friends from BF were also
attending that evening and even though Francie was glad to see them, she had hoped for a little more privacy. But then again, it was their first date.
While the two had not packed a picnic lunch like many of the attendees, it was no problemo as there was a consession stand
with lots of yummy food. Francie opted for some fried chicken, while Haley went with the gourmet pizza. And of course, what's a movie without popcorn!
Before they knew it, it was dark and the show was about to begin. The two settled down on the blanket together. Guest hosts, Steve
Watson (host of Monster House) & Bonnie-Jill Laflin (sports broadcaster) kicked off the evening by welcoming the human and canine audience.
After a few jokes, the first movie started. First up was an award winning PSA "Hero" which was very
touching short about the dogs who helped at Ground Zero after September 11th attack. 
Even though none of the film's stars were attending that evening, Francie remembered the two service dogs she had met earlier - two wonderful poodles who were
dedicating their lives to helping their human companions. Such a noble cause and she was very proud to be a dog.
Then Tyson's movie, which had won Best Amateur Award was up. It was just great, especially since they
had met him earlier that evening. You could tell he just loved to skateboard just for the thrill of it and that no one
was forcing him to do 'tricks'. In fact, they couldn't get him to stop. Francie thought maybe she'd like to take up a sport.
 There were winning films from the Comedy,
Drama and Documentary categories. Both Francie and Haley agreed that their favorite was the music video award winner "Amigo, The Potcake Dog
" which had such a great song and dance. They loved its Jamacaan feel! It was a great festival with short films or documentaries
about dogs, featuring dogs, or containing thought-provoking messages about dogs
The evening wound down and Francie said goodbye to Haley hoping they would go out again soon.
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