Punch the PBGV & Mako the Airedale Visit the Dog Fest & Mako Falls in Love, Again

We had a marvelous time at the Dog Fest this past Sunday afternoon. It was sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue. There were Great Danes everywhere plus many other rescue groups, vendors galore but most importantly lots and lots of dogs and dog lovers. We were there for several hours while Punch and Mako socialized with a wide variety of canines. Punch isn't as used to crowds as Mako is so I exposed her to the outside events for a long period before we went into the pavilion area that which densely populated with dogs and vendors. Punch had a blast while Mako was in love with all the canine females that he met - each and everyone of them.

We were thrilled to meet another Airedale, a lovely Aire girl named Violet. Of course, Mako was in love (or lust) and there were lots of play bows and Aire snaps. Violet had only been with her humans for four months but acted as if they had always been together.  I was pleased that sweet Violet's humans, Matt and Julie, are enthusiastic about the breed. Julie posted some pics of the two dales to her blog east plus 4 & 1 more.  Mako actually looks like he's playing hard to get (hah!) in some of the pictures! You can see in the image below, how Mako's attention is locked on Violet. That's the back of his head that's directly in front of her! I think that we'll be seeing more of this Aire girl because her people are interested in checking out some of the Airedale Terrier Club of Greater Philadelphia's activities!

There were a number of rescue groups at the Dog Fest. Besides the Great Danes, there was also the Greyhound rescue - think it was the Diamond State group - the Siberian Husky rescue, Rottweiler rescue plus rescue groups that were open to all animals. 

Don and Anna Brown of the Academy of Dog Training in Newark, DE were there with an agility display where folks could let their dogs do trial runs.  It was great to see Anna and Don again. I have taken show handling lessons where Don was the instructor and he's an excellent trainer. I learned so much in those classes and both Mako and I had a great time. The Brown's have an Airedale connection, too. Their daughter Christine is very active in Airedale rescue. When I first met her, via the Internet, Christine was President of the National Airedale Rescue. We met when I donated a custom portrait for an on-line senior Airedale auction. (That portrait Holley the Airedale can be seen on my website as the last entry in the gallery. Holley was 14 at the time and had a huge Airedalian beard!)

 The Dog Fest turned into a hound fest for Punch the PBGV. We met Jeff with Sabrina the Bloodhound plus Madelynne and Daisy the Basset girls. He trains his hounds in agility at the Academy. Jeff did a trick with his hounds where they all went into a down and stay as he placed a treat on the top of his boot. Little Punchie went into a down, too, and stayed while she intensely watched the treat poised on his foot. It was only a few inches from her, yet, she waited! Jeff was nice and rewarded my Peeb girl with a treat.

  Of course, Mako was busy being an an Airedalian male. He was surrounded by girls and tried to make the most of the situation. He couldn't keep his nose to himself - or his paws. He especially wanted to grab Sabrina the Bloodhound. 

Punch wasn't jealous. She was busy watching for more treats! Her patience was rewarded, too. She had a wonderful time chillin' with the big hounds and getting the occasional treat.

Meanwhile, there was also Pookah the Chow for Mako to lust after. The redhaired vixen wasn't the least bit interested in him but he isn't a guy who takes "no" for an answer. 

Later, we also met Olivia the black Standard Poodle and two Giant Schaunzers - one of which was a female. Mako worked his charm relentlessly and decided to zero in on Olivia. You can tell that Spring is here! Mako is in lust, er, love. He tried to grab her at least three times!