CALUMET CITY | Nearly 130 people and 60 four-legged friends participated in the second annual Calumet City Dog Walk on Sept. 29 at Memorial Park.
Sponsored by Mayor Michelle Markiewicz Qualkinbush, who also served as grand marshal, the event allowed dogs and their owners to visit vendor booths, view the Canine Comedy Corner, a large collection of dog-related comics and enjoy the weather.
The walk stepped off at 10 a.m. and other dignitaries in attendance included Alderman Leni Wosczynski, City Treasurer Gerald Tarka, City Clerk Nyotta Figgs and Alderman Eric Schneider.
Walkers headed west on Memorial Drive to St. Victor Church, where the animals received a blessing before heading north on Hirsch Avenue. Led by police escort, participants headed back to the park where dogs were refreshed with assembled kiddie pools filled with cold water.
A police K-9 officer demonstrated how his dog, Chico, can find hidden drugs. Contests then followed, with dozens of entrants trying to win the Best Dressed, Best Trick and Longest Tail titles. Winners were given gift baskets full of dog-themed items and certificates.
Dog trainer Eddie White wrapped up the event when he and his assistant demonstrated how their guard dog is trained to attack and release on command. Wearing a bite suit, White showed the crowd how he can control and contain his dog even under distracting and stressful circumstances.
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