Canines, companions enjoy dog day afternoon

By Ms. Susan Huseman (IMCOM)June 14, 2010

Canines, companions enjoy dog day afternoon
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

STUTTGART, Germany -- Every dog has its day.

This idiom was especially true at Bark in the Park, an afternoon of four-legged fun sponsored by U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart's Family and Morale, Recreation and Welfare, and held June 5 at the Hundeverein dog training area next to the K and K Gate on Patch Barracks.

"I love seeing all the dogs - the different sizes and breeds," said Rina Rinard, who brought her two Chihuahuas, Oscar and Lola, to the event. "We don't live on base, so we don't get to socialize much. It's great to get out and meet people."

Dogs provide non-judgmental loyalty, friendship and companionship, said Army Capt. Amy Field, the vet at the Stuttgart Veterinary Treatment Facility.

For example, dachshunds are well known for their devotion to their owners.

But that devotion is a two-way street, at least for Kyle and Wendy Robbins. The couple brought Guinness, their 16-year-old dachshund in a plush dog stroller.

The event was all about getting animals and owners together for a bit of leisurely fun, according to Martha Povich, the FMWR special events coordinator and Bark in the Park organizer.

"Our pets are a part of our lives, and as much as we'd like to spend more hours in any given day with them, we usually can't," she said.