| JANUARY 13, 2013 -- The dogs couldn't clap, but they looked on with awe — some wagging their tails and panting heavily, showing their teeth as if to smile — at the Wolcott Grange's dog ball Saturday afternoon.
Humans provided the entertainment and dogs were the "guests of honor" at the dog ball, an event organized by people to benefit animals.
It was the first major event hosted by the newly reorganized Wolcott Grange. The organization's mission is to help animals, but its members and volunteers also take on other causes.
At least 100 people attended, and there would have been more if the parking lot hadn't run out of room, said Joe Ouimet, master of the Wolcott Grange. There were about two dozen dogs in the audience.
Past and present pageant winners sang songs and danced on stage, as the dogs paid varying amounts of attention. But when Gracie Vance the Trick Dog — a rottweiler-Pomeranian mix — took the stage, all of the canines turned their attention toward her.
Gracie, with the help of her trainer, veterinarian technician Jenn Vance, performed her repertoire of tricks, including ringing a bell with her nose, jumping on her hind legs and running through a mesh tunnel.
Nervous dogs like Lily Zotto, a Japanese Chin, hid under their owners' arms during most of the "Wolcott Grange Has Talent" portion of the event.
"She doesn't go out far, she doesn't even roam the yard," said Lily's owner, Sam Zotto. He said he tries to socialize her, "but she's just the way she is, and we respect that."
Lily had her eyes wide open, seeming as interested in as overwhelmed by the spectacle. But she was so daunted by the crowd that her body shook during the performances.
Rocky Kirschbaum, a pint-sized Havanese that has been named the Grange's mascot, appeared to be more at home. She cuddled with her owner, Cathy Kirschbaum, while taking in the show.
Sitting next to her was Roberta Leonard, whose dog Maximilian, a Yorkshire terrier, was another story.
"He had to stay home because he'd be barking and causing a disturbance," said Leonard, whose family has been involved in the Wolcott Grange for generations.
Ocho Mowad, a Chihuahua, and Gracie Vance were named the king and queen of the dog ball. After the show, people and their canine guests enjoyed a potluck dinner.
The afternoon wasn't all fun and games. During a ceremony between the pageantlike show and dinner, attendees gathered for a dedication ceremony of the Grange Hall to Lou Godin, former master of the Wolcott Grange, and his wife Pearl.
Past and present Grange members spoke about their memories of the Godins, who recently died. |
