National Doodle Romp 2016 in Walla Walla?

[Adina P]

I've wanted to do this for a loooong time.  I think perhaps next year might finally be the time to try it out. 

My town, Walla Walla, Washington is way on the other side of the country from many of you.  But it's a quaint town with culture and a bazillion excellent wineries. 

So I was thinking...it might be fun to host the first annual Doodle Kisses National Doodle Romp here.  Super convenient for me, but would any of you travel for it?  After next year we can move it around to different locations.

How many of you would drive over with your doodle(s)?

How many of you would fly over doodle-less?

How many of you are thinking "No way, crazy lady!"?

If enough people are interested...I can get started planning.  I would most likely aim for May when the local wineries host their Spring Release or June when they do some other thing or another.  BUT that means it would be crowded and hotels booked long in advance.

We have the option of a dog park in College Place (the neighboring town) and there is a nice park next to it.  So we could meet at that park and then those that want to let their dogs off leash could meander over there.  The park has benches so we conceivably have a picnic or get catering. 

What sounds best to others?  Would you prefer a more out of the way park without an official dog park?  A hike/walk?  Take over downtown and visit wineries? 

2/19: UPDATE:  I was going with the tentative date of June 9/10 with the option to stay the whole weekend for those who want to, but no official plans for the weekend.  That seems to conflict with one member who REALLY wants to make it.  So now I'm looking at June 23/24.  The previous week is Spring Release weekend for local wineries and while that doesn't actually conflict with us, it might be really crowded.  Please argue with me over this if you need to.  I don't mind. 

[Leslie Bruce and Icky]

Just wondering about a demonstration on what makes a therapy or pet visitation dog - how the dogs are screened, training, etc. there are probably other  doodles that are certified and do volunteer work at hospitals, care facilities and various agencies. Even though I am from north of the border have several years involvement with Pet Therapy and am sure with other members and their doodles we could do a nice presentation if this is an option or direction you may want to choose.  just an idea.  Leslie

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My dogs have no skills, but I like the idea of what it takes to be a therapy dog and 'demos' on how they behave.  We could have the ball obsessed dogs demonstrate how they fetch! :-}

[Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie]

I agree with Nancy, I like the idea of learning about therapy dogs. Mine could never do it, Sassparilla definitely falls in the ball obsessed category! Not sure we can make it next year, end of June I hope to be in Florida for two weeks. :(

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

The suggestion of covering what makes a therapy dog, doing volunteer work, etc sounds great to me. Perhaps even a two day class to becoming a therapy dog?

[Jennie Lynn Cecchini]

The therapy dog demonstration is a wonderful suggestion.  My husband and I are in the process of having our Doodle become a therapy dog.  Also, the June time frame is sounds great. 

[Adina P]

So on the therapy dog theme, perhaps I could get the closest Pet Partners group to come by and demo a therapy dog test. I'll write to them!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I think that would be awesome to see. Give me something to aspire to :-)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

That would be fantastic.

[Sharon Day]

What about a multi-faceted demonstration to show how versatile our doodles are: therapy dogs, obedience, agility, tricks, sled pulling, tracking and nose work, if there is a pool or lake, swimming, etc. Anything anyone wants to sign up for their dog to demonstrate or if more than one doodle wants to join, a group demonstration for that, such as obedience. Our dogs can do it all--why not let everyone know that?

[Adina P]

This would all take time so we couldn't have too many demos and depends on who ended up coming to the event. So I'm open to volunteers who are coming and have doodles that have jobs, but I need raised hands first.

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

Still no date? I would love to start planning our trip.

[Adina P]

The tentative date is June 9 and 10 (a thursday and friday).  However, I'm having trouble getting commitments for some activities because the dates are so far in advance.  So plan tentatively only.