Such pretty days and lovely trees are here for us to enjoy. Oh, the beautiful days of autumn and all the wonderful ways to fill them. . . .festivals, walkathons, hikes in parks and Westie Walks. You ask "what is a Westie Walk?" Let me explain. Last October my out-of-their-minds-over-their- West Highland White Terrier- neighbors, Sarah and Bill Brown, hosted the first Westie Walk in Indianapolis. No question, these dogs are adorable (their's in particular, I agree). That event started at 56th & Illinois led by a bagpiper past all the shops to the canal path and beyond (not to be confused with the Pied Piper leading the Rat Terriers out of town). Sarah filled me in saying walks are held all over the US and Canada. Several of the walks have over 150 dogs show up for a day of fun and games. She said 23 Westies attended this first walk and she thought the 2010 walk would be bigger and better. So on Saturday, September 25th her prediction came true. The second walk was held and 158 dogs attended, 35 of those being Westie rescues. This walk originated at 56th & Illinois as well but this time it had its beginnings at the Riviera Club and was led by nine Gordon Pipers, all happy to be there in their glory. Prior to the procession, a silent auction was held that consisted mostly of donations from local businesses. A play area was set up and there were games. The best had to be the musical hula hoops which was like musical chairs in that when the music stopped the dog needed to be stopped in a hula hoop. Of course the music was "Who Let the Dogs Out?" More fun was had with the kissing booth. For $1.00 you could get dog kisses or adult candy kisses. There was the longest tail contest and a photo contest. After a blessing of the dogs, complete with St. Francis medals, given by Reverend Nancy Ferriani, the Westies left Rivi and went west down the canal to the blue bridge by Safeway and crossed over to Kenwood walking south to 54th Street then east to Illinois Street, north back to the Riviera Club. Shoppers came out gawking at the show of the little white doggies parading by, many in scarves and outfits, led by bagpipes and drums.

The serious side of the walk is to raise money for Westie Rescue. The West Highland White Terrier Club of Indiana provides Westie Rescue assistance to a large region of the central Midwest, including southern Ohio, all of Indiana and the northern and western sections of Kentucky. Sue Durcan and Carol Sanger are the Westie Rescue representatives for this region, and both are located in Cincinnati, with a network of dedicated volunteers in all three states to assist in fostering, transport and rescue. The Westie Club of Indiana has received 25 dogs from a puppy mill in Missouri. This year, money raised also went to WestieMed which is able to intercede quickly on behalf of rescued Westies in need of medical attention by using the communication powers of the internet. Denise Sunkel is their contact. These dedicated volunteers had a rewarding day in so many ways.

And now a mention of cats. Mark your calendar for October 30-31st for the Indy Cat Club Cat Show held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This is something quick to do with the kids that is really inexpensive and entertaining. My seven-year-old granddaughter is begging me to take her back. On the way home we'll stop and get pretzels at 42nd & College. I just love fall outings. Pets make you smile. Who let the dogs out?........