I think there are more dog fanatics than cat fanatics. Hershey, Pennsylvania, has more than chocolate—they have a doggie disco competition called the “Northeast Regional Disco Doggie Dancing Meet.” Canadians invented the “sport” in the 1980s and there are now 400 members in 13 countries. Dogs and their owners dance together and compete for awards for best costumes (the owners), most obedient (the dogs), and for any dog that can keep a beat.
Not only do dogs disco but they also have their day (and ice cream) at the annual “Doggie Ice Cream Social,” held in New York City. Last year, 100 dogs cooled off with cups of “Frosty Paws” chicken-flavored soy ice cream set out on the sidewalk festooned with balloons. Gee, I wish I could have been there.
In an Oregon town, there’s a program during which children read to dogs. Not just any dog will do. They have to be certified therapy dogs—guaranteed to listen—well, as least not to run away. Although, dogs are allowed to listen with their eyes closed, and they'll still receive their “certification.”
To get ready for their reading visits, which take place in a library, all are washed with anti-dander shampoo (the dogs). They must wear red bandannas around their necks (the dogs) to match their readers’ red T-shirts (the kids).
The animal craze isn't just limited to cats and canines. There's an Atlantic City casino that lets you play tick-tack-toe against a chicken. A real chicken. Of course, humans have an advantage because they’re always given the first move. Think no chicken ever wins the “Chicken Challenge”? Think again.
Contests take place in a hen house located in a wing at the resort, but animal rights groups are peckish at the pre-game practice rigors and fear the chickens will suffer repetitive pecking injury.
Have you figured that insanity is only on this side of the Atlantic? Nope. Turns out that life’s pretty boring in Alresford, England, too. That’s where each year the villagers set up a toad patrol—complete with glow-in-the-dark, graphically enhanced toad crossing signs. It seems that, each year, some 1,800 toads cross the region’s roads during the spring breeding season. In addition to helping the toads cross safely, the villagers count them. As the French say—that’s a lot of legs.
Humorist and freelance scribe Joyce Faiola is a consultant/designer for the hospitality industry and lives in New England. Her e-mail is JLFaiola@Juno.com
