For the past few years, our harlequin Great Dane named Jolly has earned the applause of the crowds and the title of “Biggest Dog on the Boardwalk” at the annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets fundraising event hosted by the Worcester County Humane Society each April. He loved visiting with all of the dogs on the boardwalk and especially enjoyed all the attention from the families gathered to watch the contests. He was a kisser and elicited squeals of delight from many little kids when he approached them at eye-level and planted a wet smooch on their surprised faces.
He would be asked to pose for selfies with strangers everywhere he went, and the boardwalk was no exception. He was happy to oblige and truly lived up to his name. I am sad to report that our big guy passed away suddenly last December at the age of 8.75 years old, but his competitive spirit lives on at the 2016 Boardwalkin for Pets event coming up on April 23, with registration starting at 8:30 am. Park at the OC Inlet parking lot and head towards Harrison’s on the boardwalk to register or make a donation. There are refreshments available for both dogs and their owners.
Boardwalkin for pets
All dogs are welcome, whether you participate in the walk or just come to people and pet watch. It’s a fun family activity for a great cause! The contests start at 10:45 am, and are centered around an announcer booth in front of the O.C Lifesaving Museum at the end of the boards. Be sure to get a good spot to view the 4 contests: Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Dressed, and Best Trick. There are gift baskets as prizes for the winners of each category. If you don’t have a dog of your own, you can pre-arrange to walk one of the shelter dogs by contacting the Worcester County Humane Society in advance of the event date.
As a bonus for those of you with your own dogs, they are allowed on the Ocean City beaches, leashed, until the end of April, so get some sand between your paws while you still can! Hope to see you there, and may the biggest dog win!
Sorry to hear of Jolly’s passing. We will miss seeing him next Satruday.