A Dog's Day Afternoon
At Walk for the Underdog

Francie, one of our senior foster dogs, attended the 2^nd Annual Walk for The Underdog. The walk helps to raise awareness and money for all the homeless dogs in the Los Angeles area. This year it was held at the La Brea Tar Pits Park off Wilshire by the Page Museum. Francie was excited to go with her friend, Sherri, and do the walk, see her other Bill Foundation pals and participate in the day.

When she arrived she was thrilled to see the huge crowd that had come out in support of the event. Not only were there tons of people with their dogs ready to walk, but many other rescues were also in attendance, quite a few vendors for all things "dog" and food, food, food! There was also live music which really gave the event a very festive atmosphere. 

Her first stop was the Bill Foundation booth. Even though there was the regular adoption fair at Centinela that day, Peter and a few of the volunteers were there to staff the booth. They had brought along several of Francie's friends including Haley, Rosemary and Fairy May, her old roommates. After a short visit, she was ready to cruise the grounds. 

Right next door to the BF booth was the ResQPet Emergency Kit booth. Francie's foster mom took a moment to look over their emergency kits. She felt this would be something very useful if there ever was an earthquake. With this kit she could help her friends and neighbors. Then it was on to visit the Animal Ambulance, something Francie hoped she would never need to use, but it was still good to know it was around. There were so many great things to see and do, she didn't know where to start. Doggy health food, port-a-potties for the apartment living dog, doggie day cares; but of particular interest were all the plush doggie beds since napping was her favorite past time. There was a portrait photographer, an artist and even a vet to answer questions. Petsmart was even giving away free goodie bags - yummy!

Before she knew it, it was time to start the walk. All the participants lined up for the ribbon cutting ceremony.  There were all kinds of dogs that day – mixed breeds to purebreds. There was even a three legged dog and some that rode in wagons. They were all there to participate in this important day.  One snip of the scissors and they were off. The walk started down Wilshire past the Museum of Modern Art. There were volunteers with signs to mark the way as the walk headed west. There were two city blocks of walkers ahead of Francie and her friend, KD. Since both were representing Bill Foundation, they decided to walk together. Then it was a left turn and past the Peterson Automotive Museum. 

Dogs in passing cars were waiving and shouting a friendly "hello" as they continued down Fairfax. Next was a turn into the housing areas.  It was great. There were water stations along the way and some of the residents came out of their homes to cheer on the walkers and to offer drinks and treats. It was great to see so many in support of the event.

Even though Francie was a senior, she was determined to finish the walk with the rest of her new friends.  She knew it was important for not only Bill Foundation but for all the rescues in Los Angeles. She knew that all the money raised by Walk For the Underdog would be split between all those participating rescues. Over 25 rescues were there that day. It made Francie smile.
 

Another turn and they were into mile two. As they passed the Starbucks, Francie hoped she had enough energy to make it to the finish. The sun had finally come out, so it was getting a little warm - thank goodness for those water stations. Just a couple more blocks and they were in the home stretch headed back to the park.

Francie cont.