On a cloudy but pleasant day, the APA Adoption Center hosted its 25th Annual Canine Carnival, Sunday, October 4, 2015, in Tilles Park, Ladue, Missouri. The event theme proclaims “Where the dogs play the games and win the prizes!”, attracting dogs and their owners from all over the St. Louis area. Dog games, adoptable pets, prizes, children’s activites, vendor booths, food trucks, adult beverages and more packed the day.
Well-behaved dogs could join their owners and participate in the fun. The Purina Pro Plan Performance Team always presents a show that dazzles the crowd with its dogs’ antics and skills. No worries that Fido might feel discouraged. The Speedy Dog Challenge and other dog games offered sufficient opportunities to test your dog’s agility.
The Kid’s Area had games, face painting, and other children’s diversions, plus an Adoption section where people could find their next forever “friend”. Vendor Row had abundant shopping or information booths for either the owners or pets. In honor of the 25th Anniversary of Canine Carnival, the APA gathered the crowd for a special aerial photograph near the Purina Pro Plan stage around 1:45 PM.
While the “Queen of the Carnival”, Lexie, led the Pet Parade with the APA’s Jennifer Blome, the “King” elected to sniff out other pursuits. Or, perhaps he just was waiting for one of the Canine Contests: Best Costume, Best Kisser, and Best Trick. Coreen Savitski, KSDK, Mark Reardon, KMOX 1120, and Julie Tristan, KLOU 103.3, served as the celebrity judges and commented on all the amusing moments.
Proceeds benefit the homeless animals and programs at the APA Adoption Center. While admission remained free, tickets could be purchased for food and beverages, the games, and activities.
The Animal Protective Association of Missouri comprises a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people and pets together, advancing humane education and creating programs beneficial to the human/animal bond. Through the support of the community, the APA can provide the following services: shelter and care for homeless dogs and cats; adoption services; veterinary clinic; lost and found assistance; and education and outreach.
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- Canine Carnival entrance
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- Curran Coulter with “Essie”, Stephanie Coulter with “Murray”, Dan and Colleen Stackenberg with “Abby”
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- Jennifer Blome, director of humane education, leads the Pet Parade.
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- Pet Parade
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- Becca, Jennifer Blome, Carnival Queen “Lexie”, Jane Goeke
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- Hanley, APA mascot, with Mina Karr, Maddie, Marcy, “Chloe”
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- Richard Miller, “Zaphod”, Leslie Miller, “Baldrich”
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- Mark and Michelle Torrente, “Callie”, Andrea and Andy Meyer, “Breck”
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- George, Henry, Morgan Duisen, Oscar, Christine Franks, John Duisen, “Cooper”
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- Janna Dennis, “Riley”, Shelby Zurick
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- Keith and Paula Willis with “Mia”, “Bandit”
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- Jordan Wanko with “Frank”, Robyn Wanko
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- Mike Freebs, “Bodie”, Allison Freebs, “Bernie”, Marty and Terri Hederman with “Buddy”
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- Eileen Musial, director of development, Michael Moade
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- Joe Hull, “Izzy” in his “tiger” costume
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- Kristen Very with “Charlie”
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- James Reynolds, “Cami”
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- Eliana, Brook Dubman, Garett
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- Lisa Abernathy with “Little D”, Dwayne Abernathy with “Coco”, “Bella”
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- Nicki Tetrault with “Noodles”, “Louis”
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- Jennifer Blome with celebrity judges Coreen Savitski, Mark Reardon, Julie Tristan
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- Karen Beck, Jodi Beck, Paul Beck, “Scout”
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- Christina Earle, “Pika”, “Rigby”, Cat Emmons, “Poppy”
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- Tori, Christy Stricker, “Fritz”, Brooke
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- Y98’s Antonio Beverly, Jamel McCaine
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- Erin Montgomery with “Athena”, Danielle Krueger with “Kobe”, Nicole Skor with “Cali”
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- Michael Schraier, Bryan Schraier
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- Mike O’Connor with “Sammie”, “Auggie”
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- Shula Newman, Stacey Switzer, development associate
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- Karleigh Mason with “Scooby”, Tracy Eckerd with “Shaggy”
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- Thalia Lain with “Raina”, a Dutch Shepherd
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- Caley Lawlor, Jack, Peggy Barnhart
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- Hanley, APA mascot, with some golden retriever buddies, “Sammy”, “Auggie”
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- “Duncan” liked the freedom of the Speedy Dog Challenge.
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- “Mochi” bailed out when his owner fell.
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- Much more like it.
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- Purina Pro Plan Performance Team Show
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- Déjà Vu works with one of the trainers.
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- Good catch!
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- Flying tug-of-war
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- Balancing on the back of her trainer
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- Does Déjà Vu have a Rams tryout in the future?
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- A well-deserved applause!
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- Helicopter flies overhead to take the aerial photo of the crowd.
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- Ground-level view of the crowd
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- Ground-level view of the crowd
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- Judges for Canine Contests: Coreen Savitski, KSDK, Mark Reardon, KMOX 1120, Julie Tristan, KLOU 103.3
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- Contestants line up for the kissing contest.
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- “Charlie” expresses his affection for his owner.
