Nancy and Stan Buenzow’s Collie, Willow, one of many dogs talked about at Bark & Brag
Lorraine Wilson
As Veterans Day festivities swept through the Ranch, a different kind of celebration unfolded among a devoted group of members at the Happy Tails Dog Club’s Bark & Brag meeting. Set against the backdrop of gratitude for veterans’ service, a heartwarming gathering unfolded, shining a spotlight on the beloved four-legged companions that enrich their lives.
Janet Pauley, a familiar face among the group, initiated the session, introducing her rescue pup Buddy. With a past shadowed by hardship, Buddy’s transformation into a loving companion amazed the attendees. Janet beamed as she shared how Buddy, once acquainted with struggle, now expressed joy by purring, a unique trait in the canine world.
The anecdotes continued to flow as Melissa Crabill recounted the exuberance of her darling Gracie through videos of her youthful, spirited training days. Joan Pursley then regaled the audience with tales of Hailey, a remarkably intelligent canine with a penchant for vocabulary, along with a great love for romps in the Wisconsin woods.
The stories wove through various breeds and personalities—a testament to the diversity of canine companionship. Shelly Randall’s instantaneous connection with Melody, Tammy Gaither’s inseparable duo Rozee and Chuck, and Nancy Buenzow’s atypical yet sociable Rough Collie, Willow, all left an indelible mark on the gathering.
Art Masciere’s presentation of Corrie’s professional greyhound races through videos added an exciting dimension to the meeting. Christine and Jessee Lovelace’s upside-down couch aficionado Roo and Brenda MacAskill’s Instagram sensation Gus, with a whopping 7,500 followers, added a dose of charm and modernity to the tales.
Char Niemi’s fateful encounter with Ellie during a brief rescue organization stint; Lorraine Wilson’s harmonious canine-feline household featuring Roxie, Gertrude, and Ernie; and Sandy McAfee’s leisurely walker Bo, all painted a vivid tapestry of canine companionship.
Pam Rubin’s couch-loving duo Sissy and Ari, and Debbie Pruden’s proud display of Sheltie cuteness with Cody and Tucker, further solidified the bond between human and dog. Teresa Capp-McGill’s Bell, a 17-month-old black lab with an impressive grasp of left and right, rounded out the showcase of extraordinary furry friends.
Amidst the shared anecdotes and heartwarming moments, the meeting exuded an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared love for these loyal companions. Laughter and smiles adorned the faces of attendees as each dog owner spoke passionately about their furry friends.
As the meeting ended, it was evident that while Veterans Day was being celebrated nationwide, at the Bark & Brag meeting, a different celebration unfolded—a heartfelt ode to the unwavering companionship and love shared between humans and their beloved canine counterparts.
For anyone interested in becoming a member of the Happy Tails Dog Club, please check out our website, www.rrhappytailsdogclub.weebly.com. Annual membership is $10 per household. Come to a meeting and see what the club is all about. This is a wonderful opportunity for dog enthusiasts to come together, learn from fantastic guest speakers, and share dog tales.