In the News

Lake Forester, June 26, 2008

More than 160 dogs and 500 humans participated in a variety of dog-related activities, which not only celebrated the community's dogs, but also promoted rescue and adoptions, good care, and high-quality products and services for them.

Ribbons and prizes were awarded in light-hearted competitions including Musical Sits, Andre the Giant Award, Tom Thumb Award, The Odd Couple, Best Look-A-Like Owner, Most Fetching in Costume, Strip Tees, Yogi Berra Award, Dashing With the Stars and Shake, Rattle and Roll Over.

The Plazony Family, Wheeler Family, and Hoerning Family and their five Samoyeds, Jada, Tasha, Zena, Zora and Isis were crowned the 2008 Best in Show with their take on "Santa and his reindeer".

The event culminated with Lake Forest Mayor Mike Rummel, State Sen. Susan Garrett, U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk and a Scottish bagpiper leading a procession of dogs, humans and the Dogs on Parade float, which featured life-sized stuffed dogs decorated by local merchants.

Corporate sponsors of Dog Day included William Blair & Company (presenting sponsor), Quick Dry Foods USA, The Saab Exchange, Bruce G. Southworth Productions, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Lake Forest Executive Search, Rain Trade, and Uline Shipping Supply Specialists. Parade sponsors included local merchants; Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest, Arabesque Dancewear Boutique, Blink Optical, Bluffington's Cafe, The Daily Grind, Finishing Touches, The Frame Forum, Helanders, Holly's American Bistro, Kiddles Sports, Lake Forest Hardware, Peg Ann Kompany, Penny's From Heaven, Phoebe & Frances, The Shaggy Dog Shop, Three Sisters, The Toy Station, Voila! and AYuppy Puppy .

Dog Day proceeds benefit Lake Forest Open Lands Association, a non-profit organization, funded primarily by its members, founded in 1967 and dedicated to the purchase, preservation and restoration of open space in Lake Forest.