Blue skies and an impressive crowd of people and their pooches gathered at
Avamere in Sandy for the third annual Doggie Days on August 17, a
fundraiser for the Alzheimers Association. Over $200 was raised this year.

The Mellow Tones and the Silvertones provided some foot tapping music, plus
raffles, balloons and face painting brightened the festivties. Dolly’s Pet Shoppe
and Sandy Animal Supply provided pet supplies to those looking for the
perfect gifts for their four-legged friends.

“I saw it in the paper and it looked like fun,” said Sandy resident Katie Wolff,
who attended with her dog Evo winning “Biggest Dog” and her daughter,
Stephanie with her dog Tekoa winning the best lookalike with owner contest.
The matching pink ribbons and angel wings reigned supreme.

Charlie, a prepossessing shih tzu won the prize for most loyal dog. He and his
owners Lorna and Bud Elberson live at Avamere – one group of five living with
their dogs at the facility.

“Doggie Days is not only a fundraiser, it is our chance to highlight the special
bond we share with our dogs and other pets,” said Felicia Romzek, Director of
Community Relations at Avamere. “It’s well documented that pets do more
than provide companionship. They give our lives purpose, keep us fit when we
share fresh air, can lower our blood pressure, soothe our senses and make us
feel safe. When seniors move to Avamere to get a little extra assistance, we
strive to help them maintain this critical bond for as long as possible because
we know that the best way to manage life’s transitions is with a little help
from our best friends.”

Judges Betty Profitt and Madge Vezzani were the critical eyes behind the
decisions as to who acquired the prizes. Fun contests included best trick, best
costume, owner and pet look-alike among others.

“I found out I was going to be a judge last night,” Profitt said. “I was quite
surprised. It’s my first time as a judge.”.

Vezzani was having fun judging. “I’ve lived here at Avamere for about five
years,” she said. “I like it a lot, people here are like family. We go to fun
places, fishing, the coast, the casino, although we don’t always win.”
“There is always something going on,” Profitt said.

The oldest dog ribbon went to a diminutive Aaron James, who lives at
Avamere with his owner Marcia House. Aaron James is 25 years old.